Is Carlisle, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but 1,4-Dioxane was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.3/100
waterverge.com Carlisle, SC — Water Quality Report
Carlisle's drinking water received a grade of B (75.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,652 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 26 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carlisle's water
Carlisle ranks #160 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.08 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carlisle, SC water safe to drink?
Carlisle's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,652 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Carlisle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carlisle's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Carlisle's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Carlisle's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Union County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Neal Shoals Reservoir, Broad River Below Neal Shoals Res Nr Carlisle, Broad River, Tyger River Above Whitmire Highway Nr Whitmire, Enoree River.
Where does Carlisle's water come from?
Carlisle's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,652 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Neal Shoals Reservoir (lake), Broad River Below Neal Shoals Res Nr Carlisle (river), Broad River (river), Tyger River Above Whitmire Highway Nr Whitmire (river), Enoree River (river).
What Carlisle residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Carlisle'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.
Carlisle'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 Carlisle
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Carlisle, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 42 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STELLA-JONES CORP WHITMIRE, SC29178 | Arsenic And Arsenic Compounds | 42 | 6.6 mi |
CHEMTRADE PERFORMANCE CHEMICALS US LLC CARLISLE, SC29031 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtUnion 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
Union County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Carlisle compares by contaminant
Explore where Carlisle ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carlisle's water comes from
Carlisle'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 3,652 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Carlisle
Carlisle is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Carlisle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SANTUCK HEBRON WATER CO (4420007) | SC4420007 | 3,097 | SWP |
| CARLISLE TOWN OF (4410003) | SC4410003 | 555 | SWP |
How Carlisle compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Carlisle's score of 75.3/100 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 Carlisle, SC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carlisle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Union
Frequently asked questions
Is Carlisle, SC tap water safe to drink?
Carlisle's water quality earned a grade of B (75.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #160 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Carlisle's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Carlisle'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 Carlisle?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carlisle's water come from?
Carlisle's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,652 residents.
What health violations has Carlisle's water system had?
Carlisle has 15 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. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Carlisle's water compare to other cities?
Carlisle ranks #160 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 18% of state cities) and #9624 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.