Water Quality in North Charleston, SC: 5 Violations — Grade A
Grade A · Score 87/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
North Charleston's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
North Charleston in SC has 5 EPA water violations documented — the compliance history below covers what was flagged and which local systems are associated with each finding.
Water Quality Map: North Charleston, SC
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in North Charleston
Water quality varies across North Charleston's 5 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29405 | B | 78 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 29418 | B | 78 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 29420 | B | 83 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 29415 | A | 97 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 29419 | A | 97 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
North Charleston, South Carolina receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 87 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving North Charleston have accumulated 5 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 5 ZIP codes serving approximately 26,076 people.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. North Charleston's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across North Charleston water systems is 0.0005 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 51% of homes built before 1986, North Charleston 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 North Charleston
North Charleston is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 26,076 people across 5 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 5 enforcement actions against water systems serving North Charleston. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in North Charleston
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
Contaminants Detected in North Charleston Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across North Charleston's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 5 | 5 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 1 enforcement action against water systems serving North Charleston. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2022-12-31 | State Order Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2022-12-31.
North Charleston vs. Nearby South Carolina Cities
How North Charleston's water quality compares to similar cities in South Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Charleston | A | 5 | 1 | 26,076 |
| Charleston Afb | B | 0 | 1 | 26,076 |
| Marion | A | 0 | 2 | 26,224 |
| Mount Croghan | C | 0 | 1 | 25,691 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in North Charleston
Water quality varies across North Charleston's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29405 | 78 | B | 1 | 0 |
| 29418 | 78 | B | 1 | 0 |
| 29420 | 83 | B | 1 | 0 |
| 29415 | 97 | A | 1 | 0 |
| 29419 | 97 | A | 1 | 0 |
Common Questions About North Charleston Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in North Charleston, South Carolina:
Is North Charleston water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. North Charleston's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink North Charleston tap water? North Charleston's water receives a grade of A (87/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for North Charleston? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
North Charleston vs. South Carolina Average
Understanding how North Charleston 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 North Charleston.
ZIP Codes in North Charleston
North Charleston spans 5 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 29405. 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 A 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.