B79/100
Summerville Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 151,109 residents · South Carolina
What's In Summerville'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 |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOS | 0.007 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOA | 0.006 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | < 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2014.
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
SUMMERVILLE CPW (SC1810003)
Population Served
81,750
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
SC1810003
DCWA KNIGHTSVILLE (1820001)
Population Served
40,141
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
SC1820001
DCWS ASHLEY PHOSPHATE (SC1820008)
Population Served
26,076
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
SC1820008
DCWS SOUTHERN PALMS (SC1850011)
Population Served
1,494
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
SC1850011
DCWS/CLAY FIELD DRIVE (SC1850014)
Population Served
1,648
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
SC1850014
Frequently Asked Questions About Summerville Water
Is Summerville tap water safe to drink?
Summerville, South Carolina tap water receives a grade of B (79/100), which is considered good. Out of 69 contaminants tested, 2 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 3 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 Summerville's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Summerville'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 Summerville have any water quality violations?
Yes, Summerville has 20 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include MR, MCL, Other. 6 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Summerville?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Summerville 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 Summerville's tap water come from?
Summerville's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by SUMMERVILLE CPW (SC1810003) and 4 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 151,109 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Summerville'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. Summerville'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 Summerville's water compare to other cities in South Carolina?
Summerville's water quality score of 79/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our South Carolina state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Summerville's water quality?
If you have concerns about Summerville'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 (SUMMERVILLE CPW (SC1810003)) 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.