B61/100
West Columbia Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 51,488 residents · South Carolina
What's In West Columbia'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 | 0.008 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOA | 0.005 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 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
CAYCE CITY OF (3210003)
Population Served
17,460
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
SC3210003
WEST COLUMBIA CITY OF (3210004)
Population Served
34,028
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
SC3210004
Frequently Asked Questions About West Columbia Water
Is West Columbia tap water safe to drink?
West Columbia, South Carolina tap water receives a grade of B (61/100), 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 West Columbia's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in West Columbia'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 West Columbia have any water quality violations?
Yes, West Columbia has 31 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2016. Violation types include MCL, MR. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in West Columbia?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in West Columbia 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 West Columbia's tap water come from?
West Columbia's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by CAYCE CITY OF (3210003) and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 51,488 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is West Columbia'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. West Columbia'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 West Columbia's water compare to other cities in South Carolina?
West Columbia's water quality score of 61/100 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 West Columbia's water quality?
If you have concerns about West Columbia'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 (CAYCE CITY OF (3210003)) 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.