Skip to main content
WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 27597 Water Quality Report

Zebulon, NC · Wake County County

Safety Score
A

Water Safety Grade

Excellent — Meets all EPA standards

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

0

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

0

⚠

Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 0 unresolved violation. Contact Buffalo Creek S/d for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 27597

Tap water in ZIP code 27597 (Zebulon, NC) is among the safest in the country. Served by Buffalo Creek S/d, this area earned a water safety grade of A with a composite score of 89/100 — indicating full regulatory compliance and low contaminant risk across EPA monitoring periods.

Water System

Buffalo Creek S/d

EPA ID: NC0351189

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

721 residents

County

Wake County County, North Carolina

🧪

Lead Levels in ZIP 27597

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 5.2 ppb — Below Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 27597 is 5.2 ppb, below the EPA action level of 15 ppb but above what many health experts consider ideal. The CDC and EPA both affirm there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Families with young children or pregnant women should consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter, and request lead testing of their home's tap water.

Lead exposure risk in 27597 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 40% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This may reflect a mix of older and newer housing stock and infrastructure. Families with young children should test their home's water and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
5.20 ppb (0.0052 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Moderate
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

40%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
📋

Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Buffalo Creek S/d has recorded zero violations in the EPA compliance database over the past 5 years — a strong indicator of consistent regulatory compliance and careful monitoring.

Total Violations (5 yr)
0
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
0
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Moderate

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Moderate. Buffalo Creek S/d has had occasional lapses in compliance but generally meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

⚗️

Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 27597. This means EPA monitoring has not found levels of regulated contaminants exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set under the Safe Drinking Water Act — a positive indicator of water quality compliance.

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Buffalo Creek S/d — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
🌊

Water Source & Environmental Factors

Ground Water

This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.

Water Source Type
Ground Water
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$1
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

1.87%

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 27597 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Buffalo Creek S/d
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 27597 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 27597?+
Yes — tap water in 27597 (Zebulon, NC) currently meets all federal EPA standards with a water safety grade of A. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years. You can drink your tap water with confidence, though running the tap for 30 seconds in the morning is always a good practice.
What is the lead level in 27597 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 27597 is 5.2 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the action level, but some health experts recommend a lead filter for families with young children.
Who provides tap water to 27597?+
Tap water in ZIP code 27597 is provided by Buffalo Creek S/d (EPA ID: NC0351189). This system serves approximately 721 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 27597?+
ZIP code 27597 is served by ground water. Groundwater systems draw from underground aquifers. While naturally filtered, groundwater can still contain naturally occurring contaminants such as arsenic, radium, or nitrates at elevated levels in some regions.
Does 27597 have any active water quality violations?+
No active violations are on record for ZIP code 27597. EPA data shows this water system is currently in compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 27597?+
Your water utility — Buffalo Creek S/d — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Buffalo Creek S/d Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 27597?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 27597, with a clean compliance record, a standard carbon block filter meeting NSF/ANSI 42 is a good choice for taste and as a precaution.
Is 27597 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Given the detected lead level of 5.2 ppb in 27597, we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter or certified bottled water for preparing infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 27597 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Buffalo Creek S/d. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →