Is Mill Spring, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.2/100
waterverge.com Mill Spring, SC — Water Quality Report
Mill Spring's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 937 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 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mill Spring's water
Mill Spring ranks #142 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it below 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, Mill Spring may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mill Spring, SC water safe to drink?
Mill Spring's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 937 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mill Spring
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mill Spring's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mill Spring's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mill Spring's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Mill Spring's water come from?
Mill Spring's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 937 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Mill Spring residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mill Spring'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.
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 droughtPolk 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.
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 Mill Spring compares by contaminant
Explore where Mill Spring ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mill Spring's water comes from
Mill Spring'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 937 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Mill Spring
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POLK COUNTY WATER SYSTEM | NC1075010 | 838 | SWP |
| BRIGHTS CREEK WATER SYSTEM | NC1075006 | 99 | GW |
How Mill Spring compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Mill Spring's score of 80.2/100 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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mill Spring's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Polk
Frequently asked questions
Is Mill Spring, SC tap water safe to drink?
Mill Spring's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #142 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Mill Spring's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Mill Spring'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 Mill Spring?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mill Spring's water come from?
Mill Spring's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 937 residents.
How does Mill Spring's water compare to other cities?
Mill Spring ranks #142 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 28% of state cities) and #7983 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.