Is Estill, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.1/100
waterverge.com Estill, SC — Water Quality Report
Estill's drinking water received a grade of B (79.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,120 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.3 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 12 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Estill's water
Estill ranks #148 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Estill 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, Estill may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Estill, SC water safe to drink?
Estill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,120 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Estill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Estill's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.1/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: 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 Estill's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Estill's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved. 4 violations were 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 Coosawhatchie River.
Where does Estill's water come from?
Estill's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,120 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Coosawhatchie River (river).
What Estill residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Estill'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.
Estill'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 Estill
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Estill, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION ESTILL ESTILL, SC29918 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
CANFOR SOUTHERN PINE - ESTILL DIV ESTILL, SC29918 | — | — | 2.0 mi |
VALMONT COMPOSITE STRUCTURES ESTILL ESTILL, SC29918 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
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. | 0.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Estill compares by contaminant
Explore where Estill ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Estill's water comes from
Estill'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 2,120 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Estill
Estill is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Estill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESTILL TOWN OF (SC2510002) | SC2510002 | 2,120 | GW |
How Estill compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Estill's score of 79.1/100 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 Estill, SC
Wikipedia →Estill is a town in Hampton County, South Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, Estill had a population of 1,821.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Estill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hampton
Frequently asked questions
Is Estill, SC tap water safe to drink?
Estill's water quality earned a grade of B (79.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #148 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Estill's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Estill'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 Estill?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Estill's water come from?
Estill's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,120 residents.
What health violations has Estill's water system had?
Estill has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Estill's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Estill 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 12 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 Estill's water compare to other cities?
Estill ranks #148 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 24% of state cities) and #8381 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Estill's small water system affect quality?
Estill's system serves approximately 2,120 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 12 violations on record.