Lead in South Carolina Drinking Water — 289 ZIPs Tested
EPA data analysis for lead in South Carolina drinking water systems
ZipCheckup tracks Lead in South Carolina drinking water: 289 ZIP codes with detected levels on record. 3 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit (15 ppb (action level)). Lead carries a high health-risk designation.
Lead Contamination in South Carolina
ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 360 ZIP codes in South Carolina for lead contamination. 289 ZIP codes have reported lead detections, and 3 have EPA violations on record.
The violation rate for lead in South Carolina is 0.8% of all ZIP codes — lower than the national average.
EPA Standard for Lead
The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead is 15 ppb (action level), governed by the Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR/LCRI). Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.
Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in South Carolina
These ZIP codes reported the highest lead levels in South Carolina based on CCR reports and EPA data:
Lowest Lead Levels in South Carolina
These ZIP codes had the lowest reported lead detections in South Carolina:
Health Effects of Lead
Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure. In children, lead causes developmental delays, reduced IQ, and behavioral problems. In adults, it causes high blood pressure, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects. Pregnant women face increased risk of premature birth.
How to Remove Lead From Drinking Water
The most effective treatment for lead removal is Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block. Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 standards.
Check Your ZIP Code
Use the ZipCheckup water quality search to see lead data for your specific water system in South Carolina.
Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in South Carolina
Ranked by highest lead detection level.
| Rank | ZIP Code | City | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29073 | Lexington | 23 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 2 | 29170 | West Columbia | 23 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 3 | 29072 | Lexington | 21 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 4 | 29044 | Eastover | 15 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 5 | 29061 | Hopkins | 15 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 6 | 29640 | Easley | 14 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 7 | 29657 | Liberty | 14 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 8 | 29671 | Pickens | 14 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 9 | 29053 | Gaston | 13 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 10 | 29112 | North | 13 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 11 | 29160 | Swansea | 13 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 12 | 29730 | Rock Hill | 13 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 13 | 29130 | Ridgeway | 12 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 14 | 29180 | Winnsboro | 12 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 15 | 29150 | Sumter | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 16 | 29154 | Sumter | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 17 | 29621 | Anderson | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 18 | 29627 | Belton | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 19 | 29697 | Williamston | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 20 | 29466 | Mount Pleasant | 8 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
Lowest Lead Levels in South Carolina
Cities with Lead Data in South Carolina
110 cities in South Carolina have lead testing data available.
+ 90 more cities