Gaston, SC: 8 Violations — 92/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 9 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although water quality varies across any metro, Gaston's systems collectively post above-average compliance scores for SC — and documented violations are few.
How Gaston Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Gaston Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 8 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.005 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 31% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.97 — above typical levels.
Gaston's Water Providers
3 water utilities share the residential service territory in Gaston, SC — out of 9 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Gaston, South Carolina (population ~20,818), covering 9 community water systems serving approximately 32,631 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Gaston: A (92/100)
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
Gaston water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0050 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)
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 1 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 6 | 1 |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | 4 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29053 | A | 8 | 0 | Gaston Rural Water District (sc3220002) |
All ZIP Codes in Gaston
- 29053 [A] — 8 violations
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.
Gaston 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
What's in Gaston's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Gaston Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Gaston's residential inventory spans multiple construction eras, with the median build year of 1996 landing in a zone where pre- and post-1986 homes are both well represented. That split matters because homes built before 1986 may contain lead-soldered copper joints — a plumbing practice banned that year — while those built before 1970 face the additional possibility of lead pipes in the service line. Whether a specific household sits on the older or newer end of this distribution is the primary variable shaping its individual exposure risk.
Most homes in Gaston 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Gaston
When remediation costs are measured against Gaston home values, the resulting ratio is in the low tier — addressing documented water and safety issues here claims only a minor fraction of typical equity, and most homeowners are in a position where the financial commitment is straightforward rather than a material burden on their household budget.
Remediation costs in Gaston are relatively low compared to home values. The $400–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 43% below the South Carolina average.
Gaston: 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.
Wherever 31% of local housing was built before solder rules changed — as is the case in Gaston — a faucet-level sample closes the gap that aggregate utility data cannot.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Gaston, SC