Water Quality in Plum Branch, SC: No Violations - Grade C
Grade C · Score 66/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-07-18
Plum Branch's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
Every water system supplying Plum Branch, SC appears in federal EPA tracking - and all 1 carry a violation-free record with no MCL exceedance, no reportable monitoring failures, and no active enforcement actions on file in any compliance period.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Plum Branch
Plum Branch is covered by a single ZIP code, so one water-quality profile applies citywide. See the contaminant data below.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29845 | C | 66 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Plum Branch, South Carolina receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 66 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 1 water system serving Plum Branch. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants - some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Plum Branch'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
Lead testing data for Plum Branch is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 70% of homes built before 1986, Plum Branch 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 Plum Branch
Plum Branch is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,127 people across 1 ZIP code.
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 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Plum Branch. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Plum Branch
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
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Plum Branch. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2023-11-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-11-14 | State Order Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2023-11-15.
Plum Branch vs. Nearby South Carolina Cities
How Plum Branch's water quality compares to similar cities in South Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plum Branch | C | 0 | 1 | 1,127 |
| Olar | A | 3 | 2 | 1,056 |
| Rowesville | B | 0 | 2 | 1,198 |
| Ehrhardt | A | 0 | 1 | 1,202 |
Common Questions About Plum Branch Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Plum Branch, South Carolina:
Is Plum Branch water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Plum Branch's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Plum Branch tap water? Plum Branch's water receives a grade of C (66/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Plum Branch? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Plum Branch vs. South Carolina Average
Understanding how Plum Branch 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 Plum Branch.
ZIP Codes in Plum Branch
Plum Branch spans 1 ZIP code. 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.