Water Quality in Pawleys Island, SC: 7 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 68/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Pawleys Island's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
According to EPA filings, Pawleys Island, SC has 7 water compliance violations on record — sourced from SDWIS, the federal database that tracks reportable events for every registered public water system in the state.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Pawleys Island
Water quality varies across Pawleys Island's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29585 | C | 68 | 7 | 2 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Pawleys Island.
Water Quality Overview
Pawleys Island, South Carolina receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 68 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Pawleys Island have accumulated 7 EPA violations, including 2 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 48,262 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Pawleys Island's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Pawleys Island water systems is 0.0069 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Water Systems Serving Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 48,262 people across 1 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Pawleys Island. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Pawleys 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
Contaminants Detected in Pawleys Island Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Pawleys Island's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 4 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 3 | 1 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Pawleys Island:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Pawleys Island. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-04 | State Order Action |
| 2025-06-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-28 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-18 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-10-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-10-29 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-04-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-04-05 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-03-28 | State Filed Suit |
| 2024-03-28 | State Filed Motion |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-04.
Pawleys Island vs. Nearby South Carolina Cities
How Pawleys Island's water quality compares to similar cities in South Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pawleys Island | C | 7 | 5 | 48,262 |
| Orangeburg | A | 0 | 3 | 49,526 |
| Cordova | B | 0 | 1 | 46,896 |
| Saint Matthews | B | 0 | 1 | 46,896 |
Common Questions About Pawleys Island Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Pawleys Island, South Carolina:
Is Pawleys Island water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Pawleys Island's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Pawleys Island tap water? Pawleys Island's water receives a grade of C (68/100). There are 2 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Pawleys Island? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Pawleys Island vs. South Carolina Average
Understanding how Pawleys 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 Pawleys Island.
ZIP Codes in Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 29585. 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.