Is Brunson, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.8/100
waterverge.com Brunson, SC — Water Quality Report
Brunson's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 649 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.9 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Brunson's water
Brunson ranks #61 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Brunson 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Brunson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Brunson, SC water safe to drink?
Brunson's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 649 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Brunson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Brunson's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.8/100).
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: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Brunson's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Brunson's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hampton 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. Local water sources include Salkehatchie River, Coosawhatchie River.
Where does Brunson's water come from?
Brunson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 649 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Salkehatchie River (river), Coosawhatchie River (river).
What Brunson residents can do
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Brunson'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 Brunson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Brunson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WEST FRASER EWP - ALLENDALE FAIRFAX, SC29827 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Brunson
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- HELENA CHEMICAL CO LANDFILL3.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtHampton County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 87.1% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Hampton 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 Brunson'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. | 5.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Brunson compares by contaminant
Explore where Brunson ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Brunson's water comes from
Brunson'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 649 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Brunson
Brunson is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Brunson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRUNSON TOWN OF (SC2510004) | SC2510004 | 649 | GW |
How Brunson compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Brunson's score of 88.8/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major South Carolina cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Carolina rankings →About Brunson, SC
Wikipedia →Hampton is a town in Hampton County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 2,694 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Hampton County. The town and the county are named after Wade Hampton III, a Confederate general in the Civil War.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Brunson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hampton
Frequently asked questions
Is Brunson, SC tap water safe to drink?
Brunson's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #61 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Brunson's water?
Lead was measured at 5.9 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Brunson'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 Brunson?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Brunson's water come from?
Brunson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 649 residents.
Is Brunson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Brunson 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 5 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 Brunson's water compare to other cities?
Brunson ranks #61 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 69% of state cities) and #3256 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Brunson's small water system affect quality?
Brunson's system serves approximately 649 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 5 violations on record.