How safe is your SC drinking water? See what this new nationwide report says

A new report comparing tap water from communities around the nation found South Carolina’s is safe to drink and better than the national average.

PurityMap, an independent, data-driven advocacy website, analyzed several water systems serving 676,179 South Carolina residents that resulted in an average score of 82, a B, which is 4.1 points above the national average.

The cities surveyed were Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Rock Hill, Greenville and Spartanburg. All scored 82 and varied by a minimal amount of hardiness, which measures dissolved minerals — primarily calcium and magnesium.

The harder the water, the more minerals it contains.

“South Carolina generally has soft to moderate water,” PurityMap said.

The US average for water quality is 77.9.

PurityMap recommended residents use a carbon pitcher or faucet filter to remove chlorine taste and provide extra protection. No major filtration investment is needed for most residents, the report said.

The report said all seven were found to have chloramines, which the Environmental Protection Agency says is most commonly formed when ammonia is added to chlorine to treat drinking water.

Chloramines have been used since the 1930s and provide longer-lasting disinfection as the water moves through pipes to consumers, the EPA said.

The review did not find PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as forever chemicals above advisory level in any of the water systems.

Also, the cities’ samples had lead below 5 ppb with an average of 2.1 ppb.

“Individual homes with older plumbing may have higher levels,” the report stated.

All the South Carolina systems studied meet EPA federal drinking water standards as of 2026.

“However, EPA standards set legal limits — not health goals,” the report said. “Many contaminants are detected at levels that are legal but may still pose long-term health risks, according to independent health organizations like the non-profit Environmental Working Group.”