Tatum, SC Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent monitoring cycles, Tatum tap water shows a mixed record for SC — several systems have documented violations alongside areas with clean compliance histories.
How Tatum Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Tatum Water
- Homes built before 1986: 95% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 17.19 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Tatum
A single dominant system supplies most of Tatum, SC. That utility controls infrastructure decisions, rate structures, and EPA compliance reporting for most residential addresses served across those 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Tatum, South Carolina (population ~140), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 788 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Tatum — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Tatum: 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
Tatum water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Tatum
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29594 | C | CLIO TOWN OF (SC3410002) | 788 |
All ZIP Codes in Tatum
- 29594 [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 Tatum
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 Tatum
With 95% 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
Because the majority of Tatum's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1964 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Tatum 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.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Tatum
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.
Routinely in Tatum, where 95% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Tatum
- 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 95% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Tatum, SC