South Carolina Water Quality Report 2026

7 cities676,179 residentsUpdated March 2026

B82/100State Average
South Carolina has 7 cities in our database, serving approximately 676,179 residents. The average PurityMap score is 82.0/100 (Grade: B), which is 4.1 points above the US average of 77.9/100. Columbia has the cleanest water (82/100) while Columbia scores lowest (82/100) due to lower overall score.
Is South Carolina Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Safe to Drink

South Carolina tap water is safe to drink based on our analysis of 7 water systems serving 676,179 residents. The average PurityMap score is 82.0/100 (Grade: B), which is 4.1 points above the national average.

  • 7 cities use chloramine or have elevated chlorine residuals. Standard Brita pitchers do not remove chloramine.
Our Recommendation

South Carolina water is generally good quality. A carbon pitcher or faucet filter removes chlorine taste and provides extra protection. No major filtration investment is needed for most residents.

All 7 cities in South Carolina meet EPA federal drinking water standards as of 2026. However, EPA standards set legal limits — not health goals. Many contaminants are detected at levels that are legal but may still pose long-term health risks according to independent health organizations like the EWG.
South Carolina at a Glance
82Avg Purity Score
2.2Avg Hardness (GPG)
Soft
0Cities with PFAS
0Cities with Hard Water
2.1Avg Lead (ppb)
73Avg TDS (ppm)

South Carolina is 4.1 points above the US average of 77.9/100. Hardness is 4.1 GPG below the US average of 6.3 GPG.

Best & Worst Water in South Carolina
Consistent Quality

All 7 cities score similarly

82/100
Score Distribution

How South Carolina's 7 cities score on the PurityMap 0–100 scale:

Excellent (85–100)
0 cities
Good (70–84)
7 cities
Moderate (60–69)
0 cities
Poor (below 60)
0 cities
Largest Cities in South Carolina — Water Quality

Water quality for the most populated cities. Click any city for details.








CityPopulationScoreHardnessKey Issues
Charleston138K 82/1002.5 GPG—
Columbia132K 82/1002.8 GPG—
North Charleston113K 82/1002.5 GPG—
Mount Pleasant89K 82/1002.5 GPG—
Rock Hill75K 82/1002.0 GPG—
Greenville71K 82/1001.8 GPG—
Spartanburg59K 82/1001.5 GPG—
Hard Water in South Carolina

South Carolina generally has soft to moderate water. Average: 2.2 GPG (Soft). Most residents do not need a softener.

PFAS in South Carolina Water

Based on EPA UCMR5 data, PFAS have not been detected above advisory levels in any South Carolina cities in our database as of 2026.

Lead in South Carolina Water

All South Carolina cities have lead below 5 ppb. Average: 2.1 ppb. Individual homes with older plumbing may have higher levels.

Water Sources in South Carolina

Where South Carolina gets its drinking water, based on 7 water systems.


Source TypeCities% of Total
Surface Water7100%
Recommended Filter for South Carolina

South Carolina water is generally good. A carbon pitcher filter improves taste.

All South Carolina Cities — Ranked
#CityPop.ScoreHardnessLeadPFASTDS
1Columbia132K 82/1002.8 GPG (Soft)2.5 ppb✅ No95 ppm
2Charleston138K 82/1002.5 GPG (Soft)2.2 ppb✅ No85 ppm
3Greenville71K 82/1001.8 GPG (Soft)1.8 ppb✅ No50 ppm
4North Charleston113K 82/1002.5 GPG (Soft)2.2 ppb✅ No85 ppm
5Rock Hill75K 82/1002.0 GPG (Soft)2.0 ppb✅ No65 ppm
6Mount Pleasant89K 82/1002.5 GPG (Soft)2.0 ppb✅ No85 ppm
7Spartanburg59K 82/1001.5 GPG (Soft)1.8 ppb✅ No45 ppm
Water Utilities in South Carolina

South Carolina has 6 utilities. Major: Columbia Water, Charleston Water System, Greenville Water System, Rock Hill Utilities, Mount Pleasant Waterworks.

Sources: Broad River, Edisto River and local reservoirs, Table Rock and Lake Keowee, Catawba River, Charleston Water System Edisto River.

Frequently Asked Questions
Which city has the best water in South Carolina?
Columbia scores highest at 82/100. Source: Broad River.
Which city has the worst water in South Carolina?
Columbia scores lowest at 82/100 due to lower overall score.
Is South Carolina water hard or soft?
Average hardness: 2.2 GPG (Soft). 4.1 GPG below the US average of 6.3 GPG. 0 of 7 cities have hard/very hard water.
Has PFAS been found in South Carolina water?
Based on EPA UCMR5 data, PFAS have not been detected above advisory levels in any South Carolina cities in our database as of 2026.
What water filter should I use in South Carolina?
South Carolina water is generally good. A carbon pitcher filter improves taste.
How does South Carolina water compare to the US average?
Score: 82.0/100 (4.1 points above US avg 77.9). Hardness: 2.2 GPG (4.1 GPG below US avg 6.3).
Where does South Carolina get its drinking water?Where does South Carolina get its drinking water?
South Carolina water comes from: Surface Water: 7 cities (100%).
Data Sources & Methodology
  • EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • State utility Consumer Confidence Reports
  • USGS regional water monitoring data

PurityMap compiles publicly available data and does not perform independent testing.

How we analyze water Data sources
All South Carolina Cities with Water Reports

7 city water quality reports available for South Carolina.

7 Reports
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Showing all 7 cities
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