Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

Charleston County School District (SC): 13 Health Violations

36 ZIP codes · 33 water systems · 5,640,772 people served · Updated 2026-07-23

ZipCheckup's reading of EPA drinking-water data for Charleston County School District: 13 unresolved violations in the water systems serving this district.

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-07-23

B · 78
Avg Safety Score
36
ZIP Codes
33
Water Systems
43
Violations (5yr)
0.0021 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
32
ZIPs with PFAS
Zone 3
Radon Risk

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The Charleston County School District in South Carolina spans 36 ZIP codes served by 33 community water systems, providing water to approximately 5,640,772 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is B (78/100)

  • with the lowest-scoring area at 55/100 .

Water quality in this district ranks better than 69% of ZIP codes nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

  • Lead exposure - Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") - Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
  • Nitrate - Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
  • Disinfection byproducts - Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric Value EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile) 0.0021 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.0074 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 36 -

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 32 of 36 ZIP codes in this district.

Detected compounds: PFOS, PFPeA, PFOA, PFHxA, PFBS, PFBA, PFHpA, HFPO-DA.

Highest measured level: 0.0097 µg/L.

PFAS can accumulate in the body over time. Children's higher water intake relative to body weight makes them particularly susceptible. Reverse osmosis filters (NSF/ANSI 58) are the most effective at removing PFAS.

Learn more about PFAS in drinking water →

EPA Violation History

13 health-based violations recorded across 12 of 36 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 13 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 10 Yes 4
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 9 No 5
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Disinfection Byproducts 8 Yes 2
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 6 No 4
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 5 No 5
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 2 No 2
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 2 No 2
E. coli Microbiological 1 No 1

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low risk)

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
29470 Ravenel A (88) 7 2 0.0001 mg/L No
29464 Mount Pleasant B (74) 6 1 0.0011 mg/L No
29466 Mount Pleasant B (79) 6 1 0.0011 mg/L No
29483 Summerville B (81) 5 4 0.0009 mg/L No
29485 Summerville B (76) 5 4 0.0009 mg/L No
29438 Edisto Island B (78) 4 0 0.001 mg/L No
29429 Awendaw B (84) 3 1 0.0023 mg/L No
29455 Johns Island B (74) 3 0 0.002 mg/L No
29405 North Charleston B (78) 1 0 0.0005 mg/L No
29418 North Charleston B (78) 1 0 0.0005 mg/L No
29420 North Charleston B (83) 1 0 0.0005 mg/L No
29440 Georgetown C (67) 1 0 0.0074 mg/L No
29401 Charleston B (75) 0 0 0.0035 mg/L No
29403 Charleston B (80) 0 0 0.0035 mg/L No
29404 Charleston Afb B (73) 0 0 — —
29406 Charleston A (85) 0 0 0.0035 mg/L No
29407 Charleston B (75) 0 0 0.0035 mg/L No
29409 Charleston A (99) 0 0 0.0035 mg/L No
29410 Hanahan C (55) 0 0 — —
29412 Charleston B (75) 0 0 0.0035 mg/L No
29414 Charleston B (75) 0 0 0.0035 mg/L No
29424 Charleston A (99) 0 0 0.0035 mg/L No
29425 Charleston A (95) 0 0 0.0035 mg/L No
29426 Adams Run A (90) 0 0 0.00015 mg/L No
29439 Folly Beach B (75) 0 0 0.00093 mg/L No
29445 Goose Creek A (85) 0 0 0.0015 mg/L No
29446 Green Pond B (73) 0 0 — —
29449 Hollywood C (60) 0 0 — —
29450 Huger C (65) 0 0 — —
29451 Isle Of Palms B (75) 0 0 0.00049 mg/L No
29452 Jacksonboro B (73) 0 0 — —
29456 Ladson B (80) 0 0 0.00071 mg/L No
29458 Mc Clellanville C (60) 0 0 — —
29482 Sullivans Island B (80) 0 0 0.00059 mg/L No
29487 Wadmalaw Island C (65) 0 0 — —
29492 Charleston A (90) 0 0 0.0035 mg/L No

Water Systems Serving This District

Water System Population Served Source ZIP Codes
Charleston Water System (sc1010001) 327,422 Surface water 29401, 29403, 29404 +21 more
BCWSA SANGAREE W/D (0820002) 95,345 Surface water 29445, 29450, 29456 +2 more
Mt Pleasant Water Works (1010002) 91,500 Surface water 29429, 29451, 29464, 29466
Summerville Cpw (sc1810003) 81,750 Surface water 29418, 29420, 29456 +2 more
Goose Creek City of (sc0810004) 40,628 Surface water 29445
Dcwa Knightsville (1820001) 40,141 Surface water 29414, 29426, 29470 +2 more
Gcwsd Waccamaw Neck (sc2220010) 37,790 Surface water 29440
DCWS ASHLEY PHOSPHATE (SC1820008) 26,076 Surface water 29404, 29405, 29418 +4 more

33 water systems total serve this district.

Lead Risk Assessment

Infrastructure Risk Factors

Risk Factor District Average Why It Matters
Housing built before 1986 45.7% Lead solder was used in plumbing until 1986
Housing built before 1950 13% Lead pipes were common before 1950
Lead service line probability 12.1% Estimated chance of lead pipes connecting homes to water mains
Average lead level (90th pctl) 0.0021 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L
Highest measured lead level 0.0074 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L

Schools built before 1986 are especially at risk. Lead can leach from older pipes, fixtures, and solder joints into drinking water — particularly when water sits in pipes overnight or over weekends.

Detailed Violation History

2 health-based contaminants have triggered violations in this district: Stage 2 DBP Rule, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminant Category Total Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 10 Yes 4
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 9 No 5
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Disinfection Byproducts 8 Yes 2
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 6 No 4
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 5 No 5
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 2 No 2
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 2 No 2
E. coli Microbiological 1 No 1

Most Recent Violations

  • Violation in ZIP 29429 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 29429 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 29429 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 29438 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 29438 (Unknown date) — Unresolved

Is the Water Safe at Charleston County School District Schools?

Several factors warrant attention for families in the Charleston County School District area:

  • Water systems in this district have recorded 13 health-based violations. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose health risks.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in 32 of 36 ZIP codes. Current levels are below EPA maximums.
  • 45.7% of buildings in this district predate 1986, increasing the risk of lead in school plumbing.
  • 13 violations remain unresolved, meaning the issues have not been officially corrected.

Important context: EPA compliance data measures water quality at the utility level. Individual school buildings — especially older ones — may have additional risks from internal plumbing, lead fixtures, and stagnant water in pipes.

What Parents Should Do

Testing

  1. Request your school's water testing results. Under the EPA's 3Ts program, schools are encouraged to test drinking water. Ask the Charleston County School District school board for the most recent results.
  2. Test your home water. If your home was built before 1986, lead may be present in your plumbing. Free or low-cost test kits are often available from your water utility.
  3. Ask about PFAS testing. PFAS have been detected in this district. Request specific PFAS testing results from your water utility.

Advocacy

  1. Attend school board meetings and ask about the district's water quality testing schedule and remediation plans.
  2. Request lead fixture replacement if your child's school was built before 1986 and hasn't upgraded its plumbing.
  3. Contact your water utility about the 13 unresolved violations in the district. Ask for a timeline for resolution.

Resources

ZIP Code Reports for This District

What Parents Can Do

  1. Request lead testing at your child's school - The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) - Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Test your home's water - Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
  4. Address PFAS - If PFAS are detected in your area, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon block filter rated NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 can reduce levels significantly.
  5. Pack water from home - If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
  6. Stay informed - Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in Charleston County School District schools?

Water systems serving Charleston County School District have recorded 13 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While utilities are required to meet federal standards, individual school buildings may have older plumbing that can introduce contaminants. Parents should request lead testing results from their school.

Does Charleston County School District test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Are there PFAS in Charleston County School District water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 32 of 36 ZIP codes served by this district. PFAS are "forever chemicals" that do not break down and can accumulate in the body. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS compounds. Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Home → School Districts → South Carolina → Charleston County School District

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Charleston County School District (SC): 13 Health Violations. https://zipcheckup.com/schools/charleston-county-school-district-sc/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-schools-charleston-county-school-district-sc,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Charleston County School District (SC): 13 Health Violations}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/schools/charleston-county-school-district-sc/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

Violations found - check filter options Free tool - no phone call required.