Is Bath, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
80.1/100
waterverge.com Bath, SC — Water Quality Report
Bath's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,847 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 30 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bath's water
Bath ranks #143 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bath relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Bath may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bath, SC water safe to drink?
Bath's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,847 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bath
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bath's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4829). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3597). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bath's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Bath's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Aiken County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2015. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Savannah River Jefferson Davis Br,, Horse Creek, Savannah Rv Above New Sav. Lock And Dam, Savannah River.
Where does Bath's water come from?
Bath's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,847 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Savannah River Jefferson Davis Br, (river), Horse Creek (river), Savannah Rv Above New Sav. Lock And Dam (lake), Savannah River (river).
What Bath residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bath's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Bath's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtAiken County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Aiken County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2015. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bath's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bath compares by contaminant
Explore where Bath ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bath's water comes from
Bath's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,847 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Bath
Bath is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bath
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BURNETTOWN W/D (SC0220007) | SC0220007 | 1,090 | GW |
| BATH W&SD (SC0220003) | SC0220003 | 757 | GW |
How Bath compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Bath's score of 80.1/100 is on par with the average of 77/100 among major South Carolina cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View South Carolina rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bath's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Aiken
Frequently asked questions
Is Bath, SC tap water safe to drink?
Bath's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #143 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Bath's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Bath's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Bath?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bath's water come from?
Bath's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,847 residents.
What health violations has Bath's water system had?
Bath has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bath's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bath uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 30 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Bath's water compare to other cities?
Bath ranks #143 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 27% of state cities) and #8013 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.