Ward, SC Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although much of Ward meets baseline drinking water standards, some SC-tracked service areas show violations that merit a closer look — particularly for older housing stock.
How Ward Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Ward Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 72% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.64 — above typical levels.
Ward's Water Providers
Ward, 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 Ward, South Carolina (population ~790), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 6,110 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Ward — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ward: 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
Ward water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Ward
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29166 | C | Ridge Spring Town of (sc4110002) | 1,575 |
All ZIP Codes in Ward
- 29166 [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.
Ward Community Health Snapshot
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
Ward Infrastructure Age
With 72% 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
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Ward is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1973 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Ward 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Ward
Within the Ward market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Ward are relatively low compared to home values. The $400–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 44% below the South Carolina average.
Ward: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Before the federal solder ban, lead solder was a routine plumbing material, and 72% of the Ward inventory was built in that earlier era — a share large enough to move household-level reads onto the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Ward
- 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 72% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Ward, SC