D36/100
Camden Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 18,193 residents · South Carolina
What's In Camden's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOA | 0.005 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOS | 0.005 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2003.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
CAMDEN CITY OF (2810001)
Population Served
18,193
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
SC2810001
Frequently Asked Questions About Camden Water
Is Camden tap water safe to drink?
Camden, South Carolina tap water receives a grade of D (36/100), which is considered poor. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 17 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Camden's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Camden's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, PFOS, Lead (90th percentile). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Camden have any water quality violations?
Yes, Camden has 17 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2003. Violation types include MCL, MR, TT. 7 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Camden?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Camden is recommended. 2 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Camden's tap water come from?
Camden's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by CAMDEN CITY OF (2810001). The system serves approximately 18,193 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Camden's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Camden's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Camden's water compare to other cities in South Carolina?
Camden's water quality score of 36/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our South Carolina state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Camden's water quality?
If you have concerns about Camden's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (CAMDEN CITY OF (2810001)) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.