Hilton Head Island, SC Water Safety: 83/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water utilities in Hilton Head Island have maintained a consistent compliance record over recent monitoring periods — the city's above-average grade in SC reflects low violation rates and no systemic health concerns flagged in current data.
How Hilton Head Island Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Hilton Head Island Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,975 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.75 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Hilton Head Island
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Hilton Head Island, SC's residential water connections out of 6 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (population ~40,352), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 195,898 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Hilton Head Island — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Hilton Head Island: B (83/100)
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
Hilton Head Island water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 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)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 4 ZIP codes
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29925 | A | Hilton Head Public Service District 1 (0720006) | 25,558 |
| 29926 | B | Hilton Head Public Service District 1 (0720006) | 25,558 |
| 29928 | B | Hilton Head Public Service District 1 (0720006) | 25,558 |
| 29938 | A | Hilton Head Public Service District 1 (0720006) | 25,558 |
All ZIP Codes in Hilton Head Island
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 Hilton Head Island
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
Hilton Head Island: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Hilton Head Island, the equity impact of remediation is proportionally small — not the kind of financial commitment that rises to the level of a genuine planning constraint, but a minor share of what most properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Hilton Head Island are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,350–$2,925 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 277% above the South Carolina average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Hilton Head Island
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.
Lead risk in Hilton Head Island appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Hilton Head Island
Flood exposure in Hilton Head Island is substantial — 2730 NFIP claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated zones. That volume of documented flood activity places water-quality implications of flooding firmly in the active-risk category rather than the hypothetical.
Hilton Head Island has a significant flood history with 2,730 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $26,361 per claim. With 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
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>$1,975</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 Hilton Head Island, SC