Is Ridgeway, 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 ↓
77.9/100
waterverge.com Ridgeway, SC — Water Quality Report
Ridgeway's drinking water received a grade of B (77.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,108 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 36 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ridgeway's water
Ridgeway ranks #151 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Ridgeway may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ridgeway, SC water safe to drink?
Ridgeway's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,108 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ridgeway
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ridgeway's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ridgeway's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Ridgeway's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fairfield 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 Dutchmans Creek.
Where does Ridgeway's water come from?
Ridgeway's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,108 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Dutchmans Creek (river).
What Ridgeway residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ridgeway'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.
Ridgeway'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 Ridgeway
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ridgeway, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PALMETTO IMAGING TECHNOLOGY L LC WINNSBORO, SC29180 | Toluene | 5 | 6.7 mi |
ADAMS RIDGEWAY RIDGEWAY, SC29130 | Lead | 0 | 2.6 mi |
JTEKT AUTOMOTIVE NA LLC - BLYTHEWOOD SC BLYTHEWOOD, SC29016 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
CHARTER NEXT GENERATION - BLYTHEWOOD BLYTHEWOOD, SC29016 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
CONCRETE SUPPLY CO LLC BLYTHEWOOD BLYTHEWOOD, SC29016 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtFairfield 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
Fairfield 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Ridgeway'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. | 3.0 | 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. | 1.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ridgeway compares by contaminant
Explore where Ridgeway ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ridgeway's water comes from
Ridgeway'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 1,108 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Ridgeway
Ridgeway is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Ridgeway
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIDGEWAY TOWN OF (SC2010002) | SC2010002 | 950 | SWP |
| RIDGEWAY MANOR (SC2070002) | SC2070002 | 158 | GW |
How Ridgeway compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Ridgeway's score of 77.9/100 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 Ridgeway, SC
Wikipedia →Ridgeway is a town in southeast Fairfield County, South Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, Ridgeway had a population of 266. It is part of the Columbia, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ridgeway's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fairfield
Frequently asked questions
Is Ridgeway, SC tap water safe to drink?
Ridgeway's water quality earned a grade of B (77.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #151 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Ridgeway's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Ridgeway'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 Ridgeway?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ridgeway's water come from?
Ridgeway's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,108 residents.
What health violations has Ridgeway's water system had?
Ridgeway has 21 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
How does Ridgeway's water compare to other cities?
Ridgeway ranks #151 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 23% of state cities) and #8861 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.