Is Fairfax, 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 ↓
78.1/100
waterverge.com Fairfax, SC — Water Quality Report
Fairfax's drinking water received a grade of B (78.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,962 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fairfax's water
Fairfax ranks #150 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Fairfax 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, Fairfax may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fairfax, SC water safe to drink?
Fairfax's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,962 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fairfax
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fairfax's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.1/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: E. COLI, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4829). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Fairfax's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fairfax's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Allendale 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 Fairfax's water come from?
Fairfax's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,962 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 Fairfax residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fairfax'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.
Fairfax'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 Fairfax
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fairfax, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
COLLUMS LUMBER MILL INC. ALLENDALE, SC29810 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
WEST FRASER EWP - ALLENDALE FAIRFAX, SC29827 | — | — | 2.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Fairfax
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.
- HELENA CHEMICAL CO LANDFILL1.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtAllendale County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 9.5% 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
Allendale 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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fairfax compares by contaminant
Explore where Fairfax ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fairfax's water comes from
Fairfax'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 1,962 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Fairfax
Fairfax is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fairfax
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAIRFAX TOWN OF (SC0310004) | SC0310004 | 1,962 | GW |
How Fairfax compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Fairfax's score of 78.1/100 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 Fairfax, SC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fairfax's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Allendale
Frequently asked questions
Is Fairfax, SC tap water safe to drink?
Fairfax's water quality earned a grade of B (78.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #150 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Fairfax's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Fairfax'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 Fairfax?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fairfax's water come from?
Fairfax's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,962 residents.
What health violations has Fairfax's water system had?
Fairfax 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. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fairfax's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fairfax 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 Fairfax's water compare to other cities?
Fairfax ranks #150 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 23% of state cities) and #8793 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fairfax's small water system affect quality?
Fairfax's system serves approximately 1,962 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.