Is Harleyville, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.3/100
waterverge.com Harleyville, SC — Water Quality Report
Harleyville's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,048 residents using groundwater.
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 10 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Harleyville's water
Harleyville ranks #82 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Harleyville 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, Harleyville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Harleyville, SC water safe to drink?
Harleyville's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,048 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Harleyville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Harleyville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3597). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4677). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Harleyville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Harleyville's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dorchester 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 Polk Swamp, Indian Field Swamp, Four Hole Swamp.
Where does Harleyville's water come from?
Harleyville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,048 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Polk Swamp (river), Indian Field Swamp (river), Four Hole Swamp (river).
What Harleyville residents can do
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.
Harleyville'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 Harleyville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Harleyville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ADAMS AN OLDCASTLE CO - HOLLY HILL HOLLY HILL, SC29059 | Lead | 0 | 7.5 mi |
HOLCIM (US) INC HOLLY HILL PLANT HOLLY HILL, SC29059 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
ARGOS CEMENT HARLEYVILLE PLANT HARLEYVILLE, SC29448 | — | — | 1.0 mi |
GIANT CEMENT CO HARLEYVILLE, SC29448 | — | — | 2.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtDorchester 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
Dorchester 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Harleyville compares by contaminant
Explore where Harleyville ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Harleyville's water comes from
Harleyville'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 1,048 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Harleyville
Harleyville is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Harleyville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARLEYVILLE TOWN OF (SC1810002) | SC1810002 | 946 | GW |
| DCWS I-95 (SC1870914) | SC1870914 | 102 | GW |
How Harleyville compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Harleyville's score of 86.3/100 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 Harleyville, SC
Wikipedia →Harleyville is a town in Dorchester County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 666 at the 2020 census, down slightly from 677 at the 2010 census. Harleyville is part of the Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Harleyville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dorchester
Frequently asked questions
Is Harleyville, SC tap water safe to drink?
Harleyville's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #82 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Harleyville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Harleyville'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 Harleyville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Harleyville's water come from?
Harleyville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,048 residents.
What health violations has Harleyville's water system had?
Harleyville has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Harleyville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Harleyville 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 10 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 Harleyville's water compare to other cities?
Harleyville ranks #82 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 58% of state cities) and #4785 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.