Is Ridge Spring, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.4/100
waterverge.com Ridge Spring, SC — Water Quality Report
Ridge Spring's drinking water received a grade of A (91.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,575 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 9 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ridge Spring's water
Ridge Spring ranks #32 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.12 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Ridge Spring may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ridge Spring, SC water safe to drink?
Ridge Spring's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,575 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ridge Spring
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ridge Spring's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.4/100).
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: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ridge Spring's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ridge Spring's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Saluda 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 South Fork Edisto River Below Monetta, Mctier Creek Rd 209, Chinquapin Creek.
Where does Ridge Spring's water come from?
Ridge Spring's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,575 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Edisto River Below Monetta (river), Mctier Creek Rd 209 (river), Chinquapin Creek (river).
What Ridge Spring residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ridge Spring'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.
Ridge Spring'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 Ridge Spring
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ridge Spring, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AMICK FARMS LLC BATESBURG, SC29006 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
ANSALDO STS USA BATESBURG, SC29006 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
HOUSE OF RAEFORD COLUMBIA FARMS FEED MILL MONETTA, SC29105 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
AMICK FARMS FEED MILL MONETTA, SC29105 | — | — | 3.7 mi |
DARLING INGREDIENTS INC - WARD FACILITY WARD, SC29166 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSaluda 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
Saluda 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ridge Spring compares by contaminant
Explore where Ridge Spring ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ridge Spring's water comes from
Ridge Spring'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 1,575 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ridge Spring
Ridge Spring 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 Ridge Spring
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIDGE SPRING TOWN OF (SC4110002) | SC4110002 | 1,575 | SWP |
How Ridge Spring compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Ridge Spring's score of 91.4/100 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 Ridge Spring, SC
Wikipedia →Ridge Spring is a town in Saluda County, South Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, Ridge Spring had a population of 579. It is part of the Columbia, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ridge Spring's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Saluda
Frequently asked questions
Is Ridge Spring, SC tap water safe to drink?
Ridge Spring's water quality earned a grade of A (91.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #32 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Ridge Spring's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Ridge Spring'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 Ridge Spring?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ridge Spring's water come from?
Ridge Spring's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,575 residents.
What health violations has Ridge Spring's water system had?
Ridge Spring has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Ridge Spring's water compare to other cities?
Ridge Spring ranks #32 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 84% of state cities) and #1715 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 Ridge Spring's small water system affect quality?
Ridge Spring's system serves approximately 1,575 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 9 violations on record.