Orangeburg, SC Water Safety: 94/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Throughout Orangeburg and across its water systems, EPA compliance data for SC shows above-average performance — violations are minimal, none of the tracked systems have recorded repeated MCL exceedances in recent cycles, and the safety picture has held steady across multiple reporting periods.
How Orangeburg Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Orangeburg Water
- Average lead level: 0.0007 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.16 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Orangeburg
Water service in Orangeburg, SC is split across 3 utilities out of 5 tracked federally, each operating its own infrastructure and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in Orangeburg, South Carolina, covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 43,277 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Orangeburg — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Orangeburg: A (94/100)
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
Orangeburg water systems draw from: Groundwater, 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)
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29115 | A | Orangeburg Dpu (sc3810001) | 46,896 |
| 29116 | A | Orangeburg Dpu (sc3810001) | 46,896 |
| 29117 | A | Orangeburg Dpu (sc3810001) | 46,896 |
| 29118 | A | Orangeburg Dpu (sc3810001) | 46,896 |
All ZIP Codes in Orangeburg
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 Orangeburg
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 Orangeburg Homeowners
Although the Orangeburg remediation share is moderate, it remains reachable for most homeowners who plan for the expense in advance.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Orangeburg. The estimated $1,333–$2,833 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 22% below the South Carolina average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Orangeburg
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 Orangeburg 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 Orangeburg
Although Orangeburg's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 55 claims and FEMA maps place 75% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Orangeburg has a moderate flood history with 55 FEMA claims averaging $15,064 per payout. 75% 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>$2,000</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 Orangeburg, SC