Is Ladson, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90/100
waterverge.com Ladson, SC — Water Quality Report
Ladson's drinking water received a grade of A (90 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,946 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.4 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 9 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ladson's water
Ladson ranks #43 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it above average 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, Ladson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ladson, SC water safe to drink?
Ladson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,946 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ladson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ladson's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90/100).
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: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ladson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ladson's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
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 Ashley River, Sawmill Branch, Ashley River Below Summerville.
Where does Ladson's water come from?
Ladson's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,946 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Ashley River (stream), Sawmill Branch (river), Ashley River Below Summerville (stream).
What Ladson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ladson'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.
Ladson'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 Ladson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ladson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 117 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EVERRIS NA INC NORTH CHARLESTON, SC29418 | Manganese compounds | 94 | 6.7 mi |
MERCEDES-BENZ VANS LLC LADSON, SC29456 | Zinc compounds | 13 | 3.0 mi |
SEA FOX BOAT CO INC. MONCKS CORNER, SC29461 | Styrene | 5 | 7.8 mi |
CENTURY ALUMINUM OF SOUTH CAROLINA GOOSE CREEK, SC29445 | Manganese | 4 | 3.4 mi |
U.S. DOD DFSP CHARLESTON HANAHAN, SC29410 | Ethylbenzene | 1 | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBerkeley 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. | 0.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ladson compares by contaminant
Explore where Ladson ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ladson's water comes from
Ladson'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,946 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Ladson
Ladson is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Ladson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCWS SOUTHERN PALMS (SC1850011) | SC1850011 | 1,494 | SWP |
| DCWA TRANQUIL ACRES (1820003) | SC1820003 | 858 | SWP |
| BCWSA SINEATH MHP (0850018) | SC0850018 | 594 | SWP |
How Ladson compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Ladson's score of 90/100 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 Ladson, SC
Wikipedia →Summerville is a town in the U.S. state of South Carolina situated mostly in Dorchester County, with small portions in Berkeley and Charleston counties. It lies approximately five miles from the Ashley River. The population was 50,915 at the 2020 census, making it the seventh-most populous city in South Carolina. It is part of the Charleston metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ladson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dorchester
Frequently asked questions
Is Ladson, SC tap water safe to drink?
Ladson's water quality earned a grade of A (90/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #43 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Ladson's water?
Lead was measured at 0.4 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Ladson'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 Ladson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ladson's water come from?
Ladson's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,946 residents.
What health violations has Ladson's water system had?
Ladson has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2008. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Ladson's water compare to other cities?
Ladson ranks #43 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 78% of state cities) and #2466 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.