Water Quality in Hilton Head Island, SC: No Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 83/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Hilton Head Island's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Federal EPA data for Hilton Head Island, SC shows no violations on record — 5 systems, all clear.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Hilton Head Island
Water quality varies across Hilton Head Island's 4 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29926 | B | 75 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 29928 | B | 75 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 29925 | A | 90 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 29938 | A | 90 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Hilton Head Island.
Water Quality Overview
Hilton Head Island, 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 5 water systems serving Hilton Head Island. 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, Hilton Head Island'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 Hilton Head Island water systems is 0.0010 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 43% of homes built before 1986, Hilton Head Island 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.
Water Systems Serving Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 50,264 people across 4 ZIP codes.
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 40 enforcement actions against water systems serving Hilton Head Island. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Hilton Head Island
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
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Hilton Head Island:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | 8 | 8 |
Violations have increased from 4 in 2023 to 8 in 2024. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Hilton Head Island. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-01-28 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-28 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-11-27 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-05-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-03-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-03-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-03-18 | State Filed Suit |
| 2024-03-18 | State Filed Motion |
| 2024-02-23 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-01-23 | State Formal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-01-28.
Hilton Head Island vs. Nearby South Carolina Cities
How Hilton Head Island's water quality compares to similar cities in South Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island | B | 0 | 5 | 50,264 |
| Laurens | B | 3 | 3 | 50,256 |
| Greenwood | A | 4 | 5 | 50,016 |
| Aiken | C | 60 | 5 | 50,675 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Hilton Head Island
Water quality varies across Hilton Head Island's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29926 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 29928 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 29925 | 90 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 29938 | 90 | A | 0 | 0 |
Common Questions About Hilton Head Island Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina:
Is Hilton Head Island water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Hilton Head Island's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Hilton Head Island tap water? Hilton Head Island'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 Hilton Head Island? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Hilton Head Island vs. South Carolina Average
Understanding how Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island.
ZIP Codes in Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island spans 4 ZIP codes. 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.