C46/100
Charleston Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 327,422 residents · South Carolina
What's In Charleston's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOS | 0.006 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOA | 0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2004.
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
CHARLESTON WATER SYSTEM (SC1010001)
Population Served
327,422
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
SC1010001
Frequently Asked Questions About Charleston Water
Is Charleston tap water safe to drink?
Charleston, South Carolina tap water receives a grade of C (46/100), which is considered fair. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 15 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Charleston's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Charleston's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFOA, 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 Charleston have any water quality violations?
Yes, Charleston has 15 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2004. Violation types include MR, MCL. 5 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Charleston?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Charleston 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 Charleston's tap water come from?
Charleston's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by CHARLESTON WATER SYSTEM (SC1010001). The system serves approximately 327,422 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Charleston'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. Charleston'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 Charleston's water compare to other cities in South Carolina?
Charleston's water quality score of 46/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our South Carolina state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Charleston's water quality?
If you have concerns about Charleston'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 (CHARLESTON WATER SYSTEM (SC1010001)) 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.