Charleston, SC Water Safety: 89/100 (2026)
16 ZIP codes · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Charleston tap water earns a high safety grade — above-average compliance with SC and federal standards.
How Charleston Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Charleston, SC
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Safety grade breakdown for Charleston's 16 ZIP codes.
Key Facts for Charleston Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0035 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,669 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.45.
Charleston's Water Providers
3 independent water providers serve Charleston, SC — 4 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 16 ZIP codes in Charleston, South Carolina (population ~208,163), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 467,994 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Charleston — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Charleston: A (89/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Charleston water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0035 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 16 ZIP codes
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29401 | B | Charleston Water System (sc1010001) | 327,422 |
| 29402 | A | Charleston Water System (sc1010001) | 327,422 |
| 29403 | B | Charleston Water System (sc1010001) | 327,422 |
| 29406 | A | Charleston Water System (sc1010001) | 327,422 |
| 29407 | B | Charleston Water System (sc1010001) | 327,422 |
| 29409 | A | Charleston Water System (sc1010001) | 327,422 |
| 29412 | B | Charleston Water System (sc1010001) | 327,422 |
| 29413 | A | Charleston Water System (sc1010001) | 327,422 |
| 29414 | B | Charleston Water System (sc1010001) | 327,422 |
| 29416 | A | Charleston Water System (sc1010001) | 327,422 |
All ZIP Codes in Charleston
- 29401 [B]
- 29402 [A]
- 29403 [B]
- 29406 [A]
- 29407 [B]
- 29409 [A]
- 29412 [B]
- 29413 [A]
- 29414 [B]
- 29416 [A]
- 29417 [A]
- 29422 [A]
- 29423 [A]
- 29424 [A]
- 29425 [A]
- 29492 [A]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Charleston Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
How Remediation Costs Compare in Charleston
In Charleston, the equity impact of remediation is proportionally small — not the kind of financial commitment that rises to the level of a genuine planning constraint, but a minor share of what most properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Charleston are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,123–$2,415 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 122% above the South Carolina average.
Charleston: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Charleston appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Charleston: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood exposure in Charleston is substantial — 10413 NFIP claims on record and 69% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated zones. That volume of documented flood activity places water-quality implications of flooding firmly in the active-risk category rather than the hypothetical.
Charleston has a significant flood history with 10,413 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $23,728 per claim. With 69% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,669</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Charleston, SC