Ridgeland, SC Water Safety: 85/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Based on current monitoring, Ridgeland holds an above-average drinking water safety record for SC — violations are infrequent and typically minor when they do appear.
How Ridgeland Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Ridgeland Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0046 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 28% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.76 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Ridgeland
Ridgeland, SC draws its residential water from 2 separate providers among the 2 federally tracked systems. Each operates independently, with its own infrastructure, rate structure, and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Ridgeland, South Carolina (population ~14,493), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 148,312 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Ridgeland — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ridgeland: A (85/100)
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
Ridgeland water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0046 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)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29936 | A | Ridgeland Town of (2710001) | 2,678 |
All ZIP Codes in Ridgeland
- 29936 [A]
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.
CDC Health Data for Ridgeland
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
How Old Is Ridgeland's Housing Stock?
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Why does housing age matter for water safety? Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered copper plumbing joints — a practice banned that year. Ridgeland's median build year of 1991 places much of the city's housing in the post-ban era, reducing that specific risk pathway for most residents.
Most homes in Ridgeland were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Ridgeland: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Within the Ridgeland market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Ridgeland are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$2,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 2% below the South Carolina average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Ridgeland
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.
Pre-rule stock in Ridgeland accounts for 28% of the inventory — a modest fraction — and citywide samples land safely beneath the federal action mark.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Ridgeland
Flood activity in Ridgeland is neither negligible nor at the level of the highest-exposure areas in the NFIP dataset. The 61-claim record and 100% flood zone coverage suggest a community that has experienced recurrent events but has not faced the kind of sustained, severe exposure where water-supply contamination becomes a primary public health concern. It sits in a middle range where flood history merits inclusion in any complete local water quality picture.
Ridgeland has a moderate flood history with 61 FEMA claims averaging $27,456 per payout. 100% 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>$1,800</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 Ridgeland, SC