Is Elloree, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.8/100
waterverge.com Elloree, SC — Water Quality Report
Elloree's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,002 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 11 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elloree's water
Elloree ranks #60 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Elloree 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.
As a small community water system, Elloree may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elloree, SC water safe to drink?
Elloree's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,002 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Elloree
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elloree's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4858). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4829). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elloree's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elloree's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Orangeburg County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2017. 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 Lake Marion.
Where does Elloree's water come from?
Elloree's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,002 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lake Marion (lake).
What Elloree residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elloree'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.
Elloree'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 Elloree
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Elloree, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
QUIKRETE - BOWMAN SC PLANT BOWMAN, SC29018 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
LONGLEAF PACKGING VANCE, SC29163 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtOrangeburg 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
Orangeburg County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2017. 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Elloree compares by contaminant
Explore where Elloree ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elloree's water comes from
Elloree'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 2,002 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Elloree
Elloree is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Elloree
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELLOREE WATER SYSTEM (SC3810003) | SC3810003 | 1,498 | GW |
| LOWER CALHOUN (SC0920003) | SC0920003 | 504 | SWP |
How Elloree compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Elloree'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 Elloree, SC
Wikipedia →Elloree is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, Elloree had a population of 570.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elloree's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Orangeburg
Frequently asked questions
Is Elloree, SC tap water safe to drink?
Elloree'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 #60 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Elloree's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Elloree'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 Elloree?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elloree's water come from?
Elloree's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,002 residents.
Is Elloree's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Elloree 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 11 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 Elloree's water compare to other cities?
Elloree ranks #60 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 69% of state cities) and #3243 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.