Is Mitford, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.7/100
waterverge.com Mitford, SC — Water Quality Report
Mitford's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,878 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 30 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mitford's water
Mitford ranks #46 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, Mitford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mitford, SC water safe to drink?
Mitford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,878 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mitford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mitford's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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: TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mitford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mitford's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chester County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2022. 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 Catawba River, Fishing Creek Below Fort Lawn, Great Falls Reservoir Tailrace Bl Great Falls, Rocky Creek, Cedar Creek Res Tailrace Below Great Falls.
Where does Mitford's water come from?
Mitford's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,878 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Catawba River (river), Fishing Creek Below Fort Lawn (river), Great Falls Reservoir Tailrace Bl Great Falls (river), Rocky Creek (river), Cedar Creek Res Tailrace Below Great Falls (river).
What Mitford residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mitford'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.
Mitford'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
Chester County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2022. 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 Mitford compares by contaminant
Explore where Mitford ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mitford's water comes from
Mitford'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 1,878 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mitford
Mitford is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Mitford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MITFORD WATER DISTRICT (SC2020005) | SC2020005 | 1,878 | SWP |
How Mitford compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Mitford's score of 89.7/100 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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mitford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fairfield
Frequently asked questions
Is Mitford, SC tap water safe to drink?
Mitford's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #46 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Mitford's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Mitford'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 Mitford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mitford's water come from?
Mitford's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,878 residents.
How does Mitford's water compare to other cities?
Mitford ranks #46 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 77% of state cities) and #2661 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mitford's small water system affect quality?
Mitford's system serves approximately 1,878 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 30 violations on record.