Is Pelion, 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 ↓
89.6/100
waterverge.com Pelion, SC — Water Quality Report
Pelion's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,336 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 120 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pelion's water
Pelion ranks #48 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, Pelion may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pelion, SC water safe to drink?
Pelion's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,336 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Pelion
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pelion's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.6/100).
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: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pelion's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pelion's water system has 120 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lexington 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 Lake Murray, Lake Murray Tailrace, Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia, Twelve Mile Creek, Saluda River.
Where does Pelion's water come from?
Pelion's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,336 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lake Murray (lake), Lake Murray Tailrace (river), Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia (river), Twelve Mile Creek (river), Saluda River (river).
What Pelion 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.
Pelion'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 Pelion
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pelion, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NUCOR BUILDING SYSTEMS SWANSEA, SC29160 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtLexington 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
Lexington 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pelion compares by contaminant
Explore where Pelion ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pelion's water comes from
Pelion'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 1,336 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Pelion
Pelion 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 Pelion
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCJMWSC-PELION TOWN OF (SC3210010) | SC3210010 | 1,001 | SWP |
| BGWC LEXINGTON FARMS (SC3250069) | SC3250069 | 335 | GW |
How Pelion compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Pelion's score of 89.6/100 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 →About Pelion, SC
Wikipedia →Lexington is the most populous town in and the county seat of Lexington County, South Carolina, United States. It is a suburb of the state capital, Columbia. The population was 23,568 at the 2020 Census, and it is the second-most populous municipality in the greater Columbia area. The 2022 estimated population is 24,626. According to the Central Midlands Council of Governments, the greater Lexington area had an estimated population of 111,549 in 2020 and is considered the fastest-growing area in the Midlands.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pelion's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lexington
Frequently asked questions
Is Pelion, SC tap water safe to drink?
Pelion's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #48 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Pelion's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 120 violations are on record.
How is Pelion'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 Pelion?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pelion's water come from?
Pelion's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,336 residents.
What health violations has Pelion's water system had?
Pelion has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2007. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Pelion's water compare to other cities?
Pelion ranks #48 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 76% of state cities) and #2720 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.