Water Quality in Hickory Grove, SC: No Violations - Grade B
Grade B · Score 83/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Hickory Grove's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
Every water system supplying Hickory Grove, SC appears in federal EPA tracking - and all 2 carry a violation-free record with no MCL exceedances, no reportable monitoring failures, and no active enforcement actions on file in any compliance period.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Hickory Grove
Hickory Grove is covered by a single ZIP code, so one water-quality profile applies citywide. See the contaminant data below.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29717 | B | 83 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Hickory Grove, South Carolina receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 83 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 2 water systems serving Hickory Grove. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants - some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Hickory Grove's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Hickory Grove water systems is 0.0020 mg/L - within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 48% of homes built before 1986, Hickory Grove has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Hickory Grove is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Hickory Grove
Hickory Grove is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,585 people across 1 ZIP code.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Hickory Grove. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Hickory Grove
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR - your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test - certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration - NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories - monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Hickory Grove. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-15 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-18 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-18 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-06-26 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-10-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-10-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-10-06 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-15.
Hickory Grove vs. Nearby South Carolina Cities
How Hickory Grove's water quality compares to similar cities in South Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hickory Grove | B | 0 | 2 | 1,585 |
| Early Branch | C | 0 | 2 | 1,595 |
| Mayesville | C | 0 | 2 | 1,559 |
| New Zion | B | 0 | 1 | 1,551 |
Common Questions About Hickory Grove Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Hickory Grove, South Carolina:
Is Hickory Grove water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Hickory Grove's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Hickory Grove tap water? Hickory Grove's water receives a grade of B (83/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Hickory Grove? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Hickory Grove vs. South Carolina Average
Understanding how Hickory Grove compares to the broader South Carolina average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below - water quality can vary significantly even within Hickory Grove.
ZIP Codes in Hickory Grove
Hickory Grove spans 1 ZIP code. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe - Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.