Is Jenkinsville, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
67.6/100
waterverge.com Jenkinsville, SC — Water Quality Report
Jenkinsville's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,550 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 33 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jenkinsville's water
Jenkinsville ranks #176 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Jenkinsville 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, Jenkinsville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jenkinsville, SC water safe to drink?
Jenkinsville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,550 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Jenkinsville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jenkinsville's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.6/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
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 Jenkinsville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Jenkinsville's water system has 33 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fairfield 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 Monticello Res Nr Jenkinsville, Parr Shoals Reservoir, Broad River, Little River.
Where does Jenkinsville's water come from?
Jenkinsville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,550 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Monticello Res Nr Jenkinsville (lake), Parr Shoals Reservoir (lake), Broad River (river), Little River (river).
What Jenkinsville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jenkinsville'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Jenkinsville'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtFairfield 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
Fairfield 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.
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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Jenkinsville compares by contaminant
Explore where Jenkinsville ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jenkinsville's water comes from
Jenkinsville'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 2,550 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Jenkinsville
Jenkinsville is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Jenkinsville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JENKINSVILLE WATER COMPANY (SC2020001) | SC2020001 | 2,550 | GW |
How Jenkinsville compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Jenkinsville's score of 67.6/100 is below the average of 77/100 among major South Carolina cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View South Carolina rankings →About Jenkinsville, SC
Wikipedia →Jenkinsville is an incorporated town in western Fairfield County, South Carolina, United States, between the Broad and the Little rivers. It is located east of Monticello Reservoir and is near the Virgil C. Summer Nuclear Generating Station. Also in the area is the Kincaid-Anderson House and quarry. The town was incorporated in 2008. As of the 2020 census, Jenkinsville had a population of 40.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jenkinsville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fairfield
Frequently asked questions
Is Jenkinsville, SC tap water safe to drink?
Jenkinsville's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #176 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Jenkinsville's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 33 violations are on record.
How is Jenkinsville'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 Jenkinsville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jenkinsville's water come from?
Jenkinsville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,550 residents.
What health violations has Jenkinsville's water system had?
Jenkinsville has 13 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. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Jenkinsville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Jenkinsville 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 33 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 Jenkinsville's water compare to other cities?
Jenkinsville ranks #176 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 10% of state cities) and #11212 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Jenkinsville's small water system affect quality?
Jenkinsville's system serves approximately 2,550 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 33 violations on record.