Loading water data...
Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 66 cities in South Carolina
It depends on your utility. 6 of the 66 South Carolina water systems we grade from EPA records have a health-based violation in the last five years; the state averages 84/100 (3 below the national 87). Lowest graded: Okatie (D). Highest: Greenville (A).
South Carolina's official certified-lab list, when to test well vs city water, typical lab prices, and how to take a first-draw lead sample.
Across the 66 South Carolina water systems we can grade from EPA records, the average score is 84/100 — 3 points below the U.S. national average of 87/100. 44% of graded South Carolina cities (29 of 66) score above that national benchmark, and 28 earn a Grade A. 6 cities have at least one health-based EPA violation in the last five years.
The contaminants most commonly flagged in South Carolina water systems are disinfection byproducts (chlorination), lead (older infrastructure) and nitrates (agricultural areas). See the full breakdown in our South Carolina water quality rankings or compare against the cities with the best water quality in America.
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in South Carolina
426,057 residents
166,364 residents
89,531 residents
54,024 residents
53,070 residents
41,007 residents
39,772 residents
36,098 residents
25,691 residents
18,152 residents
17,963 residents
17,120 residents
11,829 residents
29,200 residents
16,010 residents
52,288 residents
25,485 residents
17,311 residents
16,929 residents
14,845 residents
89,850 residents
25,000 residents
12,545 residents
10,500 residents
17,896 residents
17,430 residents
79,107 residents
10,263 residents
38,204 residents
21,193 residents
47,463 residents
32,038 residents
21,197 residents
11,125 residents
10,400 residents
25,558 residents
19,076 residents
10,000 residents
15,668 residents
327,422 residents
252,840 residents
95,345 residents
91,500 residents
81,750 residents
79,745 residents
52,022 residents
47,838 residents
44,866 residents
43,744 residents
34,028 residents
25,783 residents
24,290 residents
22,592 residents
17,460 residents
13,076 residents
11,157 residents
43,883 residents
10,391 residents
49,375 residents
26,536 residents
31,000 residents
30,225 residents
41,300 residents
51,533 residents
354,068 residents
164,829 residents
This state's water quality reflects local geographic conditions, industrial activities, and water infrastructure. Water quality can vary significantly between communities, with some areas enjoying excellent tap water while others face contamination challenges requiring treatment.
Across the 66 South Carolina cities graded from EPA records, the average water quality score is 84/100. 3 cities score below 70 (D or F) because of health-based violations, lead results, PFAS or historical readings near a limit. The highest-rated city is Greenville with a score of 100/100, while Okatie has the most room for improvement at 61/100.
3 of the 66 South Carolina cities we grade score below 70/100. If your city is one of them — or you just want extra protection — a certified filter is the fastest way to reduce exposure. The findings that drag a score down (lead, PFAS, arsenic, nitrate) are exactly the ones a basic carbon pitcher does not remove.
APEC ROES-50 Reverse Osmosis
Removes 95–99% of lead, arsenic, nitrate, fluoride and PFAS — the widest range of any filter type. The right choice if any city near you flags these.
Check Price on AmazonZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher
NSF 53 certified to reduce lead, chromium & dissolved solids — no installation, the cheapest way to start filtering today (great for renters).
Check Price on AmazonWe may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Water sources typically include a combination of surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs) and groundwater. The specific sources serving your community depend on local geography and infrastructure. Check your local water utility's Consumer Confidence Report for details about your water source.
These contaminants have been detected in various South Carolina water systems
State environmental and health agencies oversee drinking water quality in compliance with federal EPA standards. Public water systems are required to test regularly and report results to residents through annual Consumer Confidence Reports.
Water quality concerns vary by location. Common issues include lead from older plumbing, agricultural runoff in rural areas, and industrial contamination near manufacturing sites. Check your local water quality report and consider testing if you have specific concerns.
Review your annual Consumer Confidence Report to understand local water quality. Consider having your water tested if you use a private well or have concerns about your plumbing. Water filters certified to remove specific contaminants can address most common water quality issues.
Most South Carolina cities we grade have tap water in good standing with EPA. With an average score of 84/100 across 66 graded cities, South Carolina generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by utility, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in South Carolina include disinfection byproducts (chlorination), lead (older infrastructure), nitrates (agricultural areas). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. With 3 South Carolina cities grading D or F on EPA records, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in South Carolina are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in South Carolina water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in South Carolina. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual South Carolina city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
On EPA records, Greenville has the highest water quality score in South Carolina at 100/100 (Grade A). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in South Carolina page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in South Carolina are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area