Is Monetta, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.8/100
waterverge.com Monetta, SC — Water Quality Report
Monetta's drinking water received a grade of A (92.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,152 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 12 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Monetta's water
Monetta ranks #18 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Monetta may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Monetta, SC water safe to drink?
Monetta's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,152 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Monetta
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Monetta's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.8/100).
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: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Monetta's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Monetta's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Saluda 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 South Fork Edisto River Below Monetta, Mctier Creek Rd 209, Chinquapin Creek.
Where does Monetta's water come from?
Monetta's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,152 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Edisto River Below Monetta (river), Mctier Creek Rd 209 (river), Chinquapin Creek (river).
What Monetta 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.
Monetta'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 Monetta
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Monetta, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AMICK FARMS LLC BATESBURG, SC29006 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
ANSALDO STS USA BATESBURG, SC29006 | — | — | 4.7 mi |
FISHER TANK CO LEESVILLE, SC29070 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
HOUSE OF RAEFORD COLUMBIA FARMS FEED MILL MONETTA, SC29105 | — | — | 1.0 mi |
AMICK FARMS FEED MILL MONETTA, SC29105 | — | — | 1.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtAiken 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
Saluda 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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Monetta compares by contaminant
Explore where Monetta ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Monetta's water comes from
Monetta'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 1,152 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Monetta
Monetta 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 Monetta
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONETTA TOWN OF (SC0210008) | SC0210008 | 1,152 | SWP |
How Monetta compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Monetta's score of 92.8/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major South Carolina cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Carolina rankings →About Monetta, SC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Monetta's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Aiken
Frequently asked questions
Is Monetta, SC tap water safe to drink?
Monetta's water quality earned a grade of A (92.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #18 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Monetta's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Monetta'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 Monetta?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Monetta's water come from?
Monetta's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,152 residents.
How does Monetta's water compare to other cities?
Monetta ranks #18 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 91% of state cities) and #1118 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Monetta's small water system affect quality?
Monetta's system serves approximately 1,152 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 12 violations on record.