Is Ridgeland, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.5/100
waterverge.com Ridgeland, SC — Water Quality Report
Ridgeland's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,678 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.6 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 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ridgeland's water
Ridgeland ranks #104 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Ridgeland 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, Ridgeland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ridgeland, SC water safe to drink?
Ridgeland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,678 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ridgeland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ridgeland's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.5/100).
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: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ridgeland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ridgeland's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Jasper 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 Coosawhatchie River, Bees Creek, Tullifinny River Below I-95, Savannah River Above Hardeeville.
Where does Ridgeland's water come from?
Ridgeland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,678 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Coosawhatchie River (river), Bees Creek (river), Tullifinny River Below I-95 (river), Savannah River Above Hardeeville (river).
What Ridgeland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ridgeland'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.
Ridgeland'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 Ridgeland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ridgeland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FLINT GROUP PIGMENTS BEAUFORT, SC29906 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
KRM SOUTH LLC - PLANT 17 BEAUFORT, SC29906 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtJasper County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 93.9% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Jasper 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.
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. | 4.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ridgeland compares by contaminant
Explore where Ridgeland ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ridgeland's water comes from
Ridgeland'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 2,678 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ridgeland
Ridgeland is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ridgeland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIDGELAND TOWN OF (2710001) | SC2710001 | 2,678 | GW |
How Ridgeland compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Ridgeland's score of 84.5/100 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 Ridgeland, SC
Wikipedia →Ridgeland is a town in and the county seat of Jasper County, South Carolina, United States. The town incorporation limits extend into Beaufort County up to the Broad River. The population was 3,749 at the 2020 census, all of which resided in Jasper County. Ridgeland is included in the Hilton Head Island metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ridgeland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jasper
Frequently asked questions
Is Ridgeland, SC tap water safe to drink?
Ridgeland's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #104 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Ridgeland's water?
Lead was measured at 4.6 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Ridgeland'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 Ridgeland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ridgeland's water come from?
Ridgeland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,678 residents.
Is Ridgeland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ridgeland 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 4 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 Ridgeland's water compare to other cities?
Ridgeland ranks #104 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 47% of state cities) and #5858 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ridgeland's small water system affect quality?
Ridgeland's system serves approximately 2,678 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 4 violations on record.