Plum Branch, SC Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Compliance figures for Plum Branch indicate average water quality in SC overall — some service areas have recorded health-based violations in recent monitoring cycles, while others operate cleanly, making system-level data the most actionable reference point for residents.
How Plum Branch Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Plum Branch Water
- Homes built before 1986: 70% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 17.14 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Plum Branch
A single utility carries the primary residential water load in Plum Branch, SC — the dominant provider across 1 federally tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Plum Branch, South Carolina (population ~1,127), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 29,200 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Plum Branch — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Plum Branch: C (66/100)
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
Plum Branch water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Plum Branch
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29845 | C | EDGEFIELD CO W&SA (1920001) | 29,200 |
All ZIP Codes in Plum Branch
- 29845 [C]
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 Plum Branch
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Plum Branch
With 70% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Decades of residential development in Plum Branch took place before the two main regulatory milestones that reduced plumbing-era lead risk: the phase-out of lead pipes before 1970, and the federal ban on lead solder in 1986. With a median build year of 1974, the housing stock here is anchored in that earlier period. The distinction between pre-1970 and 1970-to-1986 construction matters: the oldest homes may have lead pipes in the service line and lead solder in the copper joints, while the 1970-to-1986 tier still carries the solder risk even after lead pipes became less common. Together, these two risk layers affect a majority of the residential properties in the city — a fact the aggregate water quality data doesn't directly reveal.
Over half of homes in Plum Branch were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Plum Branch Homeowners
When estimated remediation is placed alongside median property values in Plum Branch, the resulting ratio is low — a finding consistent with a household financial perspective where documented issues can be addressed without a meaningful impact on overall equity position, making this market one of the more favorable contexts for remediation planning.
Remediation costs in Plum Branch are relatively low compared to home values. The $400–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 55% below the South Carolina average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Plum Branch
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.
Reading the local data together points toward a structural gap that matters more here than in low-exposure communities. 70% of Plum Branch stock comes from the pre-rule era, and citywide monitoring either approaches or sits beyond the federal benchmark under Lead and Copper Rule sampling. A baseline kit fits the routine-diligence category, with certified filtration available via retailer networks where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Plum Branch
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 70% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Plum Branch, SC