Is Hopkins, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Hopkins, SC — Water Quality Report
Hopkins's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 2,953 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 441 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 52 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hopkins's water
Hopkins ranks #190 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Hopkins 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, Hopkins may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 34 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hopkins, SC water safe to drink?
Hopkins's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 2,953 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hopkins
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hopkins's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Hopkins'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
Hopkins's water system has 441 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 52 remain unresolved. 34 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lexington 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 Broad River, Smith Branch, Lake Murray, Lake Murray Tailrace, Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia.
Where does Hopkins's water come from?
Hopkins's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 2,953 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Broad River (river), Smith Branch (river), Lake Murray (lake), Lake Murray Tailrace (river), Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia (river).
What Hopkins residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hopkins'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.
Hopkins'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 Hopkins
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hopkins, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 534,866 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CO LLC HOPKINS, SC29061 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 498,138 | 3.2 mi |
ALPEK POLYESTER USA LLC-COLUMBIA SITE GASTON, SC29053 | 1,4-Dioxane | 36,655 | 9.4 mi |
OWEN STEEL CO COLUMBIA, SC29201 | Zinc compounds | 71 | 8.5 mi |
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA INC. HOPKINS, SC29061 | Copper | 2 | 3.4 mi |
DOMINION ENERGY SOUTH CAROLINA - COLUMBIA ENERGY CENTER GASTON, SC29053 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Hopkins
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.
- SCRDI BLUFF ROAD3.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtRichland 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
Lexington 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 Hopkins'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.53 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hopkins compares by contaminant
Explore where Hopkins ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hopkins's water comes from
Hopkins'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 2,953 people through 10 water systems.
Water bodies near Hopkins
Hopkins is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hopkins
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOPKINS COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEM (4020002) | SC4020002 | 2,200 | GW |
| BGWC OAKRIDGE HUNT CLUB (SC4050019) | SC4050019 | 208 | GW |
| BGWC SPRINGFIELD ACRES (SC4050006) | SC4050006 | 130 | GW |
| BGWC HARMON HILL ESTATES (SC4050011) | SC4050011 | 126 | GW |
| RICHLAND ESTATES MHC (SC4060038) | SC4060038 | 90 | GW |
| MEADOW LANE MHP (SC4060014) | SC4060014 | 70 | GW |
| RICHLAND CO/POND DRIVE (SC4050042) | SC4050042 | 55 | GW |
| BEL AIR MHP (SC4060009) | SC4060009 | 34 | GW |
| 611 HARMON LLC (SC4060012) | SC4060012 | 24 | GW |
| MCDONALDS MHP (SC4060010) | SC4060010 | 16 | GW |
How Hopkins compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Hopkins's score of 46/100 is below the average of 77/100 among major South Carolina cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View South Carolina rankings →About Hopkins, SC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hopkins's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Richland
Frequently asked questions
Is Hopkins, SC tap water safe to drink?
Hopkins's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #190 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Hopkins's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 441 violations are on record.
How is Hopkins'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 Hopkins?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hopkins's water come from?
Hopkins's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 2,953 residents.
What health violations has Hopkins's water system had?
Hopkins has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 52 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hopkins's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hopkins 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 441 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 Hopkins's water compare to other cities?
Hopkins ranks #190 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 3% of state cities) and #13991 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.