Is Bethune, 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 ↓
79.6/100
waterverge.com Bethune, SC — Water Quality Report
Bethune's drinking water received a grade of B (79.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,641 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.3 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 20 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bethune's water
Bethune ranks #145 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bethune 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bethune, SC water safe to drink?
Bethune's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,641 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bethune
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bethune's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.6/100).
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: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bethune'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
Bethune's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Kershaw County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Bethune's water come from?
Bethune's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,641 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Bethune residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bethune'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.
Bethune'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bethune
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bethune, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SOUTHERN FELT CO INC. BETHUNE, SC29009 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
A O SMITH WATER PRODUCTS CO MC BEE, SC29101 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtKershaw 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
Kershaw County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bethune'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. | 0.3 | 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. | 2.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bethune compares by contaminant
Explore where Bethune ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bethune's water comes from
Bethune'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 3,641 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Bethune
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BETHUNE RURAL WATER (SC2820006) | SC2820006 | 3,100 | GW |
| BETHUNE TOWN OF (SC2810002) | SC2810002 | 541 | GW |
How Bethune compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Bethune's score of 79.6/100 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 →About Bethune, SC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bethune's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kershaw
Frequently asked questions
Is Bethune, SC tap water safe to drink?
Bethune's water quality earned a grade of B (79.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #145 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Bethune's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Bethune'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 Bethune?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bethune's water come from?
Bethune's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,641 residents.
What health violations has Bethune's water system had?
Bethune has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bethune's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bethune 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 20 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 Bethune's water compare to other cities?
Bethune ranks #145 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 26% of state cities) and #8186 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.