A82/100
Central Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 3,495 residents · South Carolina
What's In Central's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.005 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2016.
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
CENTRAL TOWN OF (SC3910005)
Population Served
3,495
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
SC3910005
Frequently Asked Questions About Central Water
Is Central tap water safe to drink?
Central, South Carolina tap water receives a grade of A (82/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 31 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Central's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Central's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Central have any water quality violations?
Yes, Central has 11 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2016. Violation types include MR, MCL. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Central?
Central water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Central's tap water come from?
Central's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by CENTRAL TOWN OF (SC3910005). The system serves approximately 3,495 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Central'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. Central'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 Central's water compare to other cities in South Carolina?
Central's water quality score of 82/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Central among the better-performing water systems in South Carolina. Visit our South Carolina state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Central's water quality?
If you have concerns about Central'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 (CENTRAL TOWN OF (SC3910005)) 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.