Is Irmo, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Irmo ranks. What to do next ↓
94.9/100
waterverge.com Irmo, SC — Water Quality Report
Irmo's drinking water received a grade of A (94.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,151 residents using purchased surface water.
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 6 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Irmo's water
Irmo ranks #9 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Irmo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Irmo, SC water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Irmo's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (94.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,151 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Irmo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Irmo's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.9/100).
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.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Irmo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Irmo's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kershaw 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 Wateree River Nr. Camden.
Where does Irmo's water come from?
Irmo's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,151 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Wateree River Nr. Camden (river).
What Irmo 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.
Irmo'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 Irmo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Irmo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 45,547 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SHAW INDUSTRIES GROUP INC PLANT 8S COLUMBIA, SC29210 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 45,545 | 4.6 mi |
CONCRETE SUPPLY CO LLC-WEST COLUMBIA WEST COLUMBIA, SC29169 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 2 | 9.7 mi |
SAFETY-KLEEN SYSTEMS INC. LEXINGTON, SC29073 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
TIDEWATER BOATS LLC LEXINGTON, SC29072 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
CHEMSTATION OF SOUTH CAROLINA COLUMBIA, SC29203 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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
Kershaw 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 Irmo compares by contaminant
Explore where Irmo ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Irmo's water comes from
Irmo's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,151 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Irmo
Irmo is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Irmo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BGWC RAINTREE ACRES (SC4050015) | SC4050015 | 799 | SWP |
| BGWC STONEGATE (SC4050014) | SC4050014 | 352 | SWP |
How Irmo compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Irmo's score of 94.9/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major South Carolina cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Carolina rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Irmo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Richland
Frequently asked questions
Is Irmo, SC tap water safe to drink?
Irmo's water quality earned a grade of A (94.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #9 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Irmo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Irmo'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 Irmo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Irmo's water come from?
Irmo's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,151 residents.
What health violations has Irmo's water system had?
Irmo has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
How does Irmo's water compare to other cities?
Irmo ranks #9 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 95% of state cities) and #404 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.