Goose Creek, SC Water Safety: 85/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
How does Goose Creek tap water hold up under EPA scrutiny? Above average for SC — documented violations are uncommon and the safety grade reflects a clean overall record.
How Goose Creek Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Goose Creek Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 39% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.76 — above typical levels.
Goose Creek's Water Providers
3 independent water providers serve Goose Creek, SC — 4 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Goose Creek, South Carolina (population ~59,011), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 472,351 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Goose Creek — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Goose Creek: A (85/100)
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
Goose Creek water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0015 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)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29445 | A | Goose Creek City of (sc0810004) | 40,628 |
All ZIP Codes in Goose Creek
- 29445 [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.
Goose Creek 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
Goose Creek 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
Pre-1986 construction carries elevated plumbing-era lead risk because lead solder was widely used before that federal ban. In Goose Creek, the median build year of 1998 indicates a housing stock where that older fraction represents a significant share of the residential inventory.
Most homes in Goose Creek 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 Goose Creek
At current valuations, Goose Creek sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Goose Creek are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 24% above the South Carolina average.
Goose Creek: 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.
Even where utility-side monitoring meets Lead and Copper Rule requirements, the 39% pre-rule share in Goose Creek keeps interior-plumbing variation as a household-level question that aggregate data cannot resolve.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Goose Creek: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Goose Creek falls in moderate-exposure territory — 120 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Goose Creek has a moderate flood history with 120 FEMA claims averaging $8,160 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
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>$1,800</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 Goose Creek, SC