Ladson, SC Water Safety: 80/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water tracked for Ladson by SC authorities posts above-average scores — the majority of systems are free from health-based exceedances and the city's grade sits above the state median.
How Ladson Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Ladson Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0007 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 28% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.64 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Ladson
Multiple utilities divide Ladson, SC's water service — 3 leading providers among 7 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Ladson, South Carolina (population ~39,280), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 533,539 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Ladson — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ladson: B (80/100)
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
Ladson water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0007 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29456 | B | Dcws Southern Palms (sc1850011) | 1,494 |
All ZIP Codes in Ladson
- 29456 [B]
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 Ladson
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
How Old Is Ladson's Housing Stock?
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
Copper plumbing joined with lead solder was standard practice through the mid-1980s — a design choice that federal regulators prohibited in 1986. Ladson's residential inventory, centered around a median build year of 2006, is weighted toward the post-prohibition era. That context is relevant because the primary plumbing risk in older homes comes not from the municipal water supply but from what happens as water moves through lead-jointed pipes inside the structure — an exposure pathway that newer homes mostly avoid.
Most homes in Ladson 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.
Ladson: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Because property values in Ladson comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Ladson are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 19% above the South Carolina average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Ladson
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.
Locally, Ladson's indicators line up: aggregate readings pass under the regulatory benchmark and the pre-rule housing footprint at 28% keeps lead in a background position.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Ladson
205 FEMA flood insurance claims are on file for Ladson, and 100% of local ZIP codes fall within federally designated flood zones — enough to put flood exposure on the planning radar, though short of the concentrated-risk threshold where treatment-system vulnerability becomes a primary consideration.
Ladson has a moderate flood history with 205 FEMA claims averaging $24,446 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>$2,400</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 Ladson, SC