PFAS in Charleston, SC Drinking Water
PFAS data for Charleston, South Carolina · 327,422 residents · 16 ZIP codes
If you rely on a public water system in Charleston, South Carolina, PFAS is a contaminant your utility has been required to test for — and EPA records show it has been detected at measurable levels, making it worth understanding as part of your tap water's detection record.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
PFAS in Charleston Tap Water
PFAS has been detected in Charleston, South Carolina drinking water at a maximum level of 6 ppt — 1.5x the EPA MCL.
This analysis covers 327,422 residents across 16 ZIP codes in Charleston.
Charleston's overall water quality grade is A (89/100).
Is PFAS in Charleston Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.
PFAS Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | PFAS Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29401 | 15 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29403 | 15 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29406 | 15 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29407 | 15 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29409 | 15 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29412 | 15 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29414 | 15 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29424 | 15 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29425 | 15 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29492 | 15 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29401 | 6 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29402 | 6 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29403 | 6 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29406 | 6 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29407 | 6 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29409 | 6 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29412 | 6 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29413 | 6 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29414 | 6 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29416 | 6 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29417 | 6 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29422 | 6 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29423 | 6 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29424 | 6 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 29425 | 6 ppt | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| ...17 more ZIP codes |
Average pfas level across Charleston: 7.3 ppt
Health Effects of PFAS
- Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer
- Thyroid disease and immune system suppression
- Reproductive problems and reduced fertility
- Elevated cholesterol and liver effects
- Developmental effects in infants and children
Health risk severity: High. Governed by the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (2024).
How PFAS Gets Into Drinking Water
- Firefighting foam (AFFF) used at military bases and airports
- Industrial manufacturing (non-stick coatings, stain-resistant fabrics)
- Wastewater treatment plants that receive industrial discharge
- Landfill leachate from PFAS-containing consumer products
What to Do About PFAS in Charleston Water
- Install a reverse osmosis system (most effective — removes 90%+ of PFAS)
- Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters remove some PFAS compounds
- Look for NSF 53 or NSF 58 certification specifically tested for PFAS
- Pitcher filters with activated carbon provide partial reduction
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for pfas removal.