Is Nichols, 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 ↓
91.5/100
waterverge.com Nichols, SC — Water Quality Report
Nichols's drinking water received a grade of A (91.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 678 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Nichols's water
Nichols ranks #30 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Nichols relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Nichols may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nichols, SC water safe to drink?
Nichols's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 678 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Nichols
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nichols's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3597). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4677). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Nichols's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Nichols's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Horry County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. 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 Crabtree Swamp, Waccamaw River, Aiw.
Where does Nichols's water come from?
Nichols's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 678 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Crabtree Swamp (river), Waccamaw River (river), Aiw (stream).
What Nichols 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.
Nichols'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 droughtMarion 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
Horry County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Nichols compares by contaminant
Explore where Nichols ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nichols's water comes from
Nichols's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 678 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Nichols
Nichols is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Nichols
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GSW&SA-NICHOLS TOWN OF (SC3310003) | SC3310003 | 678 | GW |
How Nichols compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Nichols's score of 91.5/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major South Carolina cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Carolina rankings →About Nichols, SC
Wikipedia →Conway is a city in and the county seat of Horry County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 24,849 at the 2020 census, up from 17,103 in the 2010 census, making it the 18th-most populous city in the state. The city is part of the Myrtle Beach Metro Area. It is the home of Coastal Carolina University.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nichols's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marion
Frequently asked questions
Is Nichols, SC tap water safe to drink?
Nichols's water quality earned a grade of A (91.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #30 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Nichols's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Nichols'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 Nichols?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nichols's water come from?
Nichols's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 678 residents.
Is Nichols's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Nichols uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 5 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Nichols's water compare to other cities?
Nichols ranks #30 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 85% of state cities) and #1682 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Nichols's small water system affect quality?
Nichols's system serves approximately 678 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 5 violations on record.