Is Lockhart, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.7/100
waterverge.com Lockhart, SC — Water Quality Report
Lockhart's drinking water received a grade of B (77.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 560 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 20 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Lockhart's water
Lockhart ranks #152 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Lockhart 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 Lockhart, SC water safe to drink?
Lockhart's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (77.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 560 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Lockhart
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lockhart's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.7/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4829). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Lockhart's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lockhart's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Union County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Pacolet River, Neal Shoals Reservoir, Broad River Below Neal Shoals Res Nr Carlisle.
Where does Lockhart's water come from?
Lockhart's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 560 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Pacolet River (river), Neal Shoals Reservoir (lake), Broad River Below Neal Shoals Res Nr Carlisle (river).
What Lockhart 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.
Lockhart'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 droughtUnion 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
Union County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Lockhart compares by contaminant
Explore where Lockhart ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lockhart's water comes from
Lockhart'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 560 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lockhart
Lockhart 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 Lockhart
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOCKHART TOWN OF (SC4420010) | SC4420010 | 560 | SWP |
How Lockhart compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Lockhart's score of 77.7/100 is on par with the average of 77/100 among major South Carolina cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View South Carolina rankings →About Lockhart, SC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lockhart's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Union
Frequently asked questions
Is Lockhart, SC tap water safe to drink?
Lockhart's water quality earned a grade of B (77.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #152 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Lockhart's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Lockhart'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 Lockhart?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lockhart's water come from?
Lockhart's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 560 residents.
What health violations has Lockhart's water system had?
Lockhart has 16 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. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Lockhart's water compare to other cities?
Lockhart ranks #152 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 22% of state cities) and #8927 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lockhart's small water system affect quality?
Lockhart's system serves approximately 560 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 20 violations on record.