Sullivans Island, SC Water Safety: 80/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Tap water monitoring data for Sullivans Island shows a consistently clean picture in SC — few violations on record, compliance well above the median.
How Sullivans Island Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Sullivans Island Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0006 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 55% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.36.
Water Systems Serving Sullivans Island
Sullivans Island, SC runs on one primary water provider among the 1 federally tracked system. A single utility is responsible for the overwhelming share of residential supply — including the infrastructure, compliance filings, and rate schedules that govern service for most households.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Sullivans Island, South Carolina, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 2,127 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Sullivans Island — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Sullivans Island: B (80/100)
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
Sullivans Island water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0006 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29482 | B | Sullivans Island Town of (1010003) | 2,521 |
All ZIP Codes in Sullivans Island
- 29482 [B]
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 Sullivans Island
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 Sullivans Island's Housing Stock?
With 55% 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
Federal plumbing rules changed in two stages — lead pipes were phased out before 1970, and lead solder was banned in 1986 — but in Sullivans Island, where the median build year is 1988, most of the housing was already in place before those rules took effect. The materials installed under older standards remain embedded in a substantial portion of the residential inventory today.
Over half of homes in Sullivans Island 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.
Sullivans Island: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Sullivans Island, documented water and safety issues can be addressed without making a meaningful dent in home equity — the financial proportionality here is favorable, and the commitment fits within standard property planning frameworks.
Remediation costs in Sullivans Island are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 871% above the South Carolina average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Sullivans Island
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.
Although utility-side compliance with federal Lead and Copper requirements remains the system reference, that compliance does not extend down into interior plumbing. With 55% of Sullivans Island stock built before the solder ban and aggregate readings at or beyond the action mark, a household-level sample becomes the practical way to close that information gap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Sullivans Island
A claim count of 894 in the NFIP database — alongside 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones — points to something data alone can only partly convey: a community that has repeatedly dealt with the full consequences of significant flooding. Treatment plants overwhelmed by floodwater, private wells compromised by surface infiltration, and distribution systems stressed by pressure events are all downstream effects of the flood history Sullivans Island's NFIP record documents.
Sullivans Island has a significant flood history with 894 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $24,855 per claim. With 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
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>$2,400</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 Sullivans Island, SC