The safety of South Carolina’s drinking water depends largely on a resident’s specific location and water source. Public water systems are subject to stringent regulations designed to protect public health, but they are not immune to challenges. Water safety can vary significantly between a major metropolitan municipal supply and an individual rural well. Understanding the regulatory system, the specific contaminants present, and how to verify your own water supply is necessary for an accurate overview of the state’s water quality.
Oversight and Regulatory Standards in South Carolina
The safety of public drinking water in South Carolina is managed through a layered system of federal and state oversight. The foundation for these standards is the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which mandates health-based quality standards for public water systems across the nation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes the maximum contaminant levels for nearly 90 different substances found in drinking water.
State-level implementation of the SDWA falls to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC). SCDHEC regulates public water systems to ensure they meet federal EPA standards and the state’s own State Primary Drinking Water Regulations. SCDHEC monitors for contaminants including arsenic, nitrates, and disinfection byproducts, tracking data to ensure ongoing compliance.
Public water systems serve approximately 78% of South Carolina residents and are subject to routine testing and inspection. This regulatory structure establishes safety thresholds and requires corrective action and public notification if those thresholds are exceeded. Private wells are not subject to these federal or state regulations, placing the burden of monitoring and compliance entirely on the well owner.
Key Contaminants Affecting SC Water Sources
South Carolina water sources face challenges from aging infrastructure, environmental factors, and industrial activity. A primary concern involves exposure to lead, which enters drinking water from the corrosion of older service lines and household plumbing installed before the 1986 federal ban on lead pipe materials. New federal regulations require public water systems to create inventories of lead service lines, and some utilities are actively working on replacement plans and offering free lead testing.
Emerging contaminants like Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are also a pressing issue due to their environmental persistence. PFAS contamination has been detected in surface waters, particularly near industrial sites and military bases, with some South Carolina rivers showing high concentrations. These substances are linked to various health concerns and require specialized filtration to remove from drinking water.
Other regional threats stem from land use and geography, impacting both surface water and groundwater sources. Agricultural runoff introduces nitrates and pesticides into rural water bodies. Coastal communities face threats from saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers due to excessive groundwater withdrawal. Industrial activities in upstate regions also contribute to water contamination with heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
How to Check Your Local Water Quality
South Carolina residents can verify the safety of their specific water supply by utilizing available reporting and testing mechanisms. Customers of a public water system should consult their annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which is required by law and typically provided by the utility by July 1st. The CCR details the water’s source, lists any detected contaminants, and provides information on the system’s compliance with regulatory standards.
Water utilities often post these CCRs on their official websites, or customers can contact their provider directly for a copy. If a public water system fails to meet primary drinking water standards, it must notify customers promptly through local media or water bills. Some utilities also offer free lead testing kits to address concerns about lead in household plumbing.
Owners of private wells are personally responsible for their water safety, as these sources are not regulated under the SDWA. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) provides testing services for private wells, with sample kits available at local regional offices. Priority testing should focus on coliform bacteria, nitrates, and pH levels, as acidic water can lead to corrosion and lead leaching. Private well owners who suspect contamination can also request a specialized assessment for PFAS through a SCDHEC program.