Is Clearwater, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86.5/100
waterverge.com Clearwater, SC — Water Quality Report
Clearwater's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 529 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 18 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Clearwater's water
Clearwater ranks #80 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Clearwater purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Clearwater may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clearwater, SC water safe to drink?
Clearwater's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 529 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Clearwater
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clearwater's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.5/100).
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: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Clearwater'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
Clearwater's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
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 Stevens Creek, Augusta Canal Upper Nr Augusta, Savannah River Jefferson Davis Br,, Horse Creek, Savannah Rv Above New Sav. Lock And Dam.
Where does Clearwater's water come from?
Clearwater's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 529 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Stevens Creek (river), Augusta Canal Upper Nr Augusta (river), Savannah River Jefferson Davis Br, (river), Horse Creek (river), Savannah Rv Above New Sav. Lock And Dam (lake).
What Clearwater residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Clearwater'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.
Clearwater'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 Clearwater
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Clearwater, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 241,672 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PCS NITROGEN FERTILIZER LP AUGUSTA, GA30901 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 241,554 | 4.3 mi |
FPL FOOD LLC AUGUSTA, GA30901 | Ammonia | 118 | 5.4 mi |
BRIDGESTONE AIKEN COUNTY PLANT GRANITEVILLE, SC29829 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
GRANITEVILLE SPECIALTY FABRICS GRANITEVILLE, SC29829 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
ALLNEX USA INC WARRENVILLE, SC29851 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Clearwater
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.
- CLEARWATER FINISHING1.1 mi
- ALTERNATE ENERGY RESOURCES INC8.0 mi
- PEACH ORCHARD RD PCE GROUNDWATER PLUME SITE8.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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 Clearwater'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. | 0.5 | 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. | 2.10 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.100 mg/L (1996)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Clearwater compares by contaminant
Explore where Clearwater ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clearwater's water comes from
Clearwater purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Clearwater's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 529 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Clearwater
Clearwater is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Clearwater
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLEARWATER WS DIST (SC0220015) | SC0220015 | 529 | GWP |
How Clearwater compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Clearwater's score of 86.5/100 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 Clearwater, SC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clearwater's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Aiken
Frequently asked questions
Is Clearwater, SC tap water safe to drink?
Clearwater's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #80 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Clearwater's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Clearwater'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 Clearwater?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clearwater's water come from?
Clearwater's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 529 residents.
What health violations has Clearwater's water system had?
Clearwater has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2014. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Clearwater's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Clearwater 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 18 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 Clearwater's water compare to other cities?
Clearwater ranks #80 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 59% of state cities) and #4697 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Clearwater's small water system affect quality?
Clearwater's system serves approximately 529 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 18 violations on record.