Clifton, SC Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
A meaningful share of water systems in Clifton have recorded health-based violations in recent SC monitoring periods — placing the city in the lower tier for tap water safety.
How Clifton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Clifton Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 59% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.55 — above typical levels.
Clifton's Water Providers
Federal drinking water records identify 1 system operating in Clifton, SC. One of those systems serves the overwhelming majority of residential addresses, concentrating infrastructure management, rate authority, and EPA compliance reporting within a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Clifton, South Carolina (population ~70), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 140,024 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Clifton — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Clifton: D (53/100)
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
Clifton water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Clifton
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29324 | D | SPARTANBURG WATER SYSTEM (4210001) | 140,024 |
All ZIP Codes in Clifton
- 29324 [D]
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.
Clifton 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
Clifton Infrastructure Age
With 59% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
When more than half a city's housing predates the 1986 federal ban on lead solder, plumbing-era lead risk becomes a citywide concern rather than an exception. Clifton's median build year of 1945 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Clifton were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Clifton: 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.
Older stock in Clifton represents 59% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Clifton
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 59% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Clifton, SC