Is Calhoun Falls, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.9/100
waterverge.com Calhoun Falls, SC — Water Quality Report
Calhoun Falls's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,473 residents using purchased surface water.
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 28 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Calhoun Falls's water
Calhoun Falls ranks #163 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Calhoun Falls may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Calhoun Falls, SC water safe to drink?
Calhoun Falls's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,473 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Calhoun Falls
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Calhoun Falls's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.9/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence 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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Calhoun Falls's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Calhoun Falls's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Abbeville 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 Russell Lake Above Calhoun Falls, Little River.
Where does Calhoun Falls's water come from?
Calhoun Falls's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,473 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Russell Lake Above Calhoun Falls (lake), Little River (river).
What Calhoun Falls residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Calhoun Falls'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.
Calhoun Falls'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 droughtAbbeville 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
Abbeville 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.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Calhoun Falls compares by contaminant
Explore where Calhoun Falls ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Calhoun Falls's water comes from
Calhoun Falls's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,473 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Calhoun Falls
Calhoun Falls is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Calhoun Falls
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CALHOUN FALLS TOWN OF (SC0110002) | SC0110002 | 2,473 | SWP |
How Calhoun Falls compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Calhoun Falls's score of 73.9/100 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 Calhoun Falls, SC
Wikipedia →Calhoun Falls is a town in Abbeville County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,724 at the 2020 census, down from 2,004 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Calhoun Falls's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Abbeville
Frequently asked questions
Is Calhoun Falls, SC tap water safe to drink?
Calhoun Falls's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #163 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Calhoun Falls's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is Calhoun Falls'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 Calhoun Falls?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Calhoun Falls's water come from?
Calhoun Falls's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,473 residents.
What health violations has Calhoun Falls's water system had?
Calhoun Falls has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
How does Calhoun Falls's water compare to other cities?
Calhoun Falls ranks #163 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 17% of state cities) and #9985 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Calhoun Falls's small water system affect quality?
Calhoun Falls's system serves approximately 2,473 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 28 violations on record.