D37/100
York Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 57,198 residents · South Carolina
What's In York's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
5
Violations (last 5yr)
2
Unresolved
2
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Reporting violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 17, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Treatment technique violation
When: October 17, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
When: October 1, 2023 – October 31, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: August 1, 2023 – August 31, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2022 – August 19, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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
YORK CITY OF (SC4610001)
Population Served
8,700
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
SC4610001
YORK COUNTY EAST WD (SC4620002)
Population Served
30,225
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
SC4620002
YORK COUNTY WEST WD (SC4620003)
Population Served
18,273
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
SC4620003
Frequently Asked Questions About York Water
Is York tap water safe to drink?
York, South Carolina tap water receives a grade of D (37/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 63 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in York's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in York'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 York have any water quality violations?
Yes, York has 63 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include RPT, TT, MCL. 31 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in York?
York 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 York's tap water come from?
York's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by YORK CITY OF (SC4610001) and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 57,198 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is York'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. York'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 York's water compare to other cities in South Carolina?
York's water quality score of 37/100 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 York's water quality?
If you have concerns about York'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 (YORK CITY OF (SC4610001)) 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.