Is Prosperity, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.6/100
waterverge.com Prosperity, SC — Water Quality Report
Prosperity's drinking water received a grade of A (90.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,292 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 3 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Prosperity's water
Prosperity ranks #38 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, Prosperity may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Prosperity, SC water safe to drink?
Prosperity's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,292 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Prosperity
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Prosperity's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.6/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Prosperity's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Prosperity's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Newberry 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 Bush River Nr Prosperity, Saluda R, Little Saluda R.
Where does Prosperity's water come from?
Prosperity's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,292 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Bush River Nr Prosperity (river), Saluda R (river), Little Saluda R (river).
What Prosperity 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.
Prosperity'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 Prosperity
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Prosperity, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 242 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KRAFT HEINZ CO NEWBERRY, SC29108 | Ammonia | 239 | 8.7 mi |
KISWIRE INC NEWBERRY, SC29108 | Zinc compounds | 3 | 5.2 mi |
MACLEAN POWER SYSTEMS LLC NEWBERRY, SC29108 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
VALMONT COMPOSITE STRUCTURES NEWBERRY NEWBERRY, SC29108 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
DONCASTERS TRUCAST INC NEWBERRY, SC29108 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtNewberry 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
Newberry 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 Prosperity compares by contaminant
Explore where Prosperity ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Prosperity's water comes from
Prosperity'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 1,292 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Prosperity
Prosperity 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 Prosperity
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PROSPERITY TOWN OF (SC3610005) | SC3610005 | 1,292 | SWP |
How Prosperity compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Prosperity's score of 90.6/100 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 Prosperity, SC
Wikipedia →Prosperity is a town in Newberry County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,178 at the 2020 U.S. census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Prosperity's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Newberry
Frequently asked questions
Is Prosperity, SC tap water safe to drink?
Prosperity's water quality earned a grade of A (90.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #38 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Prosperity's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Prosperity'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 Prosperity?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Prosperity's water come from?
Prosperity's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,292 residents.
What health violations has Prosperity's water system had?
Prosperity has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Prosperity's water compare to other cities?
Prosperity ranks #38 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 81% of state cities) and #2132 out of 15744 cities nationally (87th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Prosperity's small water system affect quality?
Prosperity's system serves approximately 1,292 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 3 violations on record.