South Carolina Water Quality Report 2026
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.
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.
Soft
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.
All 7 cities score similarly
How South Carolina's 7 cities score on the PurityMap 0–100 scale:
Water quality for the most populated cities. Click any city for details.
| City | Population | Score | Hardness | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 138K | 82/100 | 2.5 GPG | — |
| Columbia | 132K | 82/100 | 2.8 GPG | — |
| North Charleston | 113K | 82/100 | 2.5 GPG | — |
| Mount Pleasant | 89K | 82/100 | 2.5 GPG | — |
| Rock Hill | 75K | 82/100 | 2.0 GPG | — |
| Greenville | 71K | 82/100 | 1.8 GPG | — |
| Spartanburg | 59K | 82/100 | 1.5 GPG | — |
South Carolina generally has soft to moderate water. Average: 2.2 GPG (Soft). Most residents do not need a softener.
Based on EPA UCMR5 data, PFAS have not been detected above advisory levels in any South Carolina cities in our database as of 2026.
All South Carolina cities have lead below 5 ppb. Average: 2.1 ppb. Individual homes with older plumbing may have higher levels.
Where South Carolina gets its drinking water, based on 7 water systems.
| Source Type | Cities | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Water | 7 | 100% |
South Carolina water is generally good. A carbon pitcher filter improves taste.
| # | City | Pop. | Score | Hardness | Lead | PFAS | TDS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbia | 132K | 82/100 | 2.8 GPG (Soft) | 2.5 ppb | ✅ No | 95 ppm |
| 2 | Charleston | 138K | 82/100 | 2.5 GPG (Soft) | 2.2 ppb | ✅ No | 85 ppm |
| 3 | Greenville | 71K | 82/100 | 1.8 GPG (Soft) | 1.8 ppb | ✅ No | 50 ppm |
| 4 | North Charleston | 113K | 82/100 | 2.5 GPG (Soft) | 2.2 ppb | ✅ No | 85 ppm |
| 5 | Rock Hill | 75K | 82/100 | 2.0 GPG (Soft) | 2.0 ppb | ✅ No | 65 ppm |
| 6 | Mount Pleasant | 89K | 82/100 | 2.5 GPG (Soft) | 2.0 ppb | ✅ No | 85 ppm |
| 7 | Spartanburg | 59K | 82/100 | 1.5 GPG (Soft) | 1.8 ppb | ✅ No | 45 ppm |
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.
- 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.
7 city water quality reports available for South Carolina.
Columbia Water Quality Report
Greenville Water Quality Report
Mount Pleasant Water Quality Report
North Charleston Water Quality Report
Rock Hill Water Quality Report
Spartanburg Water Quality Report
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