WaterVerge

Is Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: SC3820002
Overall Score
87.2 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#74 of 196 in South Carolina Top 27% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
87.2/100
waterverge.com
A- 87.2/100

Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee, SC — Water Quality Report

Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,660 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 28 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's water

Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee ranks #74 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
87.2 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.2/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee, SC water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,660 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

3
Active Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.2/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4858). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE HELENE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4829). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.70 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

MONMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Aug 2023 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2017 E. COLI Open
Jul 2009 Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule Open
Apr 2004 Combined Radium (-226 and -228) Resolved
Jan 2004 Combined Radium (-226 and -228) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Orangeburg County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2017. 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 Rocky Swamp Creek, South Fork Edisto River, North Fork Edisto River.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4858
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4829
HURRICANE IDALIA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3597

Where does Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's water come from?

Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,660 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Rocky Swamp Creek (river), South Fork Edisto River (river), North Fork Edisto River (river).

What Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.70 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

28
Total violations
2
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Aug 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

28 Total
3 Active
2 Health-based
25 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
20
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
2
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
2
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Ground Water Rule
1
Jul 2017 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2009 Active
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Aug 2023 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Aug 2023
Apr 2004 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2004
Jan 2004 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2004
Jan 1991 Resolved
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1991
Jan 1991 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1991
Jan 1991 Resolved
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1991
Jan 1991 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1991
Jan 1991 Resolved
Ethylbenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1991
Jan 1991 Resolved
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1991
Jan 1991 Resolved
Toluene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1991
Jan 1991 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1991
Jan 1991 Resolved
1,2-Dichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1991
Jan 1991 Resolved
ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1991
Jan 1991 Resolved
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1991
Jan 1991 Resolved
p-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1991
Jan 1991 Resolved
1,2-DIBROMO-3-CHLOROPROPANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1991
Jan 1991 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1991
Showing 20 of 28 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Orangeburg 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
16.3%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Jan 2025
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Orangeburg County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2017. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jan 2025
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4858
Sep 2024
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA #4829
Aug 2023
HURRICANE IDALIA
Hurricane FEMA #3597
Nov 2022
HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA #4677
Sep 2022
HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA #3585
Sep 2019
HURRICANE DORIAN
Hurricane FEMA #3421

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.70 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.0 ppb from 1994 (1.0 ppb) to 2023 (1.0 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has increased by 0.260 mg/L from 1994 (1.440 mg/L) to 2000 (1.700 mg/L).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee compares by contaminant

Explore where Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,660
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee'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 2,660 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee

Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Rocky Swamp Creek
river
South Fork Edisto River
river
North Fork Edisto River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee

System Name PWSID Population Source
SILVER SPRINGS W/D (SC3820002) SC3820002 2,660 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee compares

Full South Carolina rankings →

Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's score of 87.2/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major South Carolina cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee (this city)
87.2
Greenville
92.1
Charleston
82.8
Columbia
37.1
Conway
67.5
Okatie
83.8
South Carolina avg
77
City Profile

About Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee, SC

Wikipedia →

Neeses is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 320 at the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$38,750
Median Income
$46,037
Median Home Value
0.7%
Unemployment
Community
54.3
Median Age
84
People / sq mi
8.3%
College Educated
90.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee, SC tap water safe to drink?

Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #74 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.

What contaminants are in Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's water?

Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.

How is Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee'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 Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's water come from?

Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,660 residents.

What health violations has Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's water system had?

Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.

How does Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's water compare to other cities?

Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee ranks #74 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 62% of state cities) and #4209 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's small water system affect quality?

Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee's system serves approximately 2,660 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 28 violations on record.