Is Santee, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
71.3/100
waterverge.com Santee, SC — Water Quality Report
Santee's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,433 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 17.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 8 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Santee's water
Santee ranks #168 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Santee may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Santee, SC water safe to drink?
Santee's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,433 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Santee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Santee's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4858). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4829). 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 Santee's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Santee's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Orangeburg 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 Lake Marion.
Where does Santee's water come from?
Santee's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,433 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lake Marion (lake).
What Santee residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Santee'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.
Santee'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 Santee
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Santee, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
QUIKRETE - BOWMAN SC PLANT BOWMAN, SC29018 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
LONGLEAF PACKGING VANCE, SC29163 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtOrangeburg 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
Orangeburg 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Santee'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. | 17.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Santee compares by contaminant
Explore where Santee ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Santee's water comes from
Santee'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 2,433 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Santee
Santee 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 Santee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SANTEE TOWN OF (3810011) | SC3810011 | 2,388 | SWP |
| LAKE MARION REGIONAL WATER SYS (3820003) | SC3820003 | 25 | SW |
| MCCORDS FERRY AT LAKE MARION (SC3850004) | SC3850004 | 20 | GWP |
How Santee compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Santee's score of 71.3/100 is below the average of 77/100 among major South Carolina cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View South Carolina rankings →About Santee, SC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Santee's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Orangeburg
Frequently asked questions
Is Santee, SC tap water safe to drink?
Santee's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #168 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Santee's water?
Lead was measured at 17.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Santee'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 Santee?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Santee's water come from?
Santee's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,433 residents.
What health violations has Santee's water system had?
Santee has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Santee's water compare to other cities?
Santee ranks #168 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 14% of state cities) and #10575 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.