Early Branch, SC Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
While Early Branch avoids SC's lowest safety tiers, a portion of its water systems have logged documented violations.
How Early Branch Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Early Branch Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 45% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 16.51 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Early Branch
2 independent water providers serve Early Branch, SC — 2 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Early Branch, South Carolina (population ~1,595), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 4,067 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Early Branch — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Early Branch: C (66/100)
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
Early Branch water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Early Branch
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29916 | C | YEMASSEE TOWN OF (SC2510006) | 2,202 |
All ZIP Codes in Early Branch
- 29916 [C]
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.
CDC Health Data for Early Branch
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 Old Is Early Branch's Housing Stock?
With 45% 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
Pre-1986 construction carries elevated plumbing-era lead risk because lead solder was widely used before that federal ban. In Early Branch, the median build year of 1980 indicates a housing stock where that older fraction represents a significant share of the residential inventory.
Most homes in Early Branch were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Protecting Children from Lead in Early Branch
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 Early Branch represents 45% 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 Early Branch
- 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 45% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Early Branch, SC