Is North, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
80.7/100
waterverge.com North, SC — Water Quality Report
North's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,728 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.7 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 21 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about North's water
North ranks #137 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
North 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is North, SC water safe to drink?
North's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,728 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for North
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into North's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4858). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4829). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for North's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
North's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
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 Sunnyside Canal, North Fork Edisto River.
Where does North's water come from?
North's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,728 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sunnyside Canal (river), North Fork Edisto River (river).
What North residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in North'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
North'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 North
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near North, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NUCOR BUILDING SYSTEMS SWANSEA, SC29160 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
TANNER INDUSTRIES INC. SWANSEA, SC29160 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtOrangeburg 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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in North's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 5.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how North compares by contaminant
Explore where North ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where North's water comes from
North'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 3,728 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near North
North is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving North
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BULL SWAMP RURAL WTR CO (SC3820001) | SC3820001 | 2,350 | GW |
| NORTH TOWN OF (SC3810010) | SC3810010 | 1,378 | GW |
How North compares
Full South Carolina rankings →North's score of 80.7/100 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 →About North, SC
Wikipedia →Orangeburg is the principal city in and the county seat of Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population of the city was 13,964 according to the 2020 census. The city is located 37 miles southeast of Columbia, on the north fork of the Edisto River.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to North's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Orangeburg
Frequently asked questions
Is North, SC tap water safe to drink?
North's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #137 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in North's water?
Lead was measured at 5.7 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is North'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 North?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does North's water come from?
North's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,728 residents.
What health violations has North's water system had?
North has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is North's groundwater at risk of contamination?
North 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 21 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 North's water compare to other cities?
North ranks #137 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 30% of state cities) and #7750 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.