Lancaster, SC Water Safety: 96/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Based on current monitoring, Lancaster holds an above-average drinking water safety record for SC — violations are infrequent and typically minor when they do appear.
How Lancaster Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Lancaster Water
- Average lead level: 0.005 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.52 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Lancaster
Federal records list 3 water systems tied to Lancaster, SC. Of those, 3 are the primary providers, meaning service conditions, rate structures, and compliance histories can differ depending on where a property sits.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Lancaster, South Carolina (population ~51,603), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 94,128 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Lancaster — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Lancaster: A (96/100)
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
Lancaster water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0050 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): 3 ZIP codes
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29720 | A | Lancaster County W&sd (sc2920001) | 79,107 |
| 29721 | A | Lancaster County W&sd (sc2920001) | 79,107 |
| 29722 | A | Lancaster County W&sd (sc2920001) | 79,107 |
All ZIP Codes in Lancaster
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.
Health Outcomes in Lancaster
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
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Lancaster Homeowners
For most homeowners in Lancaster, the estimated cost of water and safety remediation represents a proportionally modest share of what properties are worth — placing this area in the lower tier of the remediation share scale.
Remediation costs in Lancaster are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,100–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 3% above the South Carolina average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Lancaster
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 Lancaster 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.
Flood & Climate Risk in Lancaster
22 FEMA flood insurance claims are on file for Lancaster, and 33% 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.
Lancaster has a moderate flood history with 22 FEMA claims averaging $12,111 per payout. 33% 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>$1,700</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 Lancaster, SC