Is South Charleston, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
87.2/100
waterverge.com South Charleston, OH — Water Quality Report
South Charleston's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 507 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about South Charleston's water
South Charleston ranks #82 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
South Charleston 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, South Charleston may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is South Charleston, OH water safe to drink?
South Charleston's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 507 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for South Charleston
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into South Charleston's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Arsenic, Fluoride, Antimony, Total.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for South Charleston'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
South Charleston's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Clark County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Clarence J Brown Reservoir Near Springfield, Buck Creek Bl Cj Brown Reservoir Nr Springfield.
Where does South Charleston's water come from?
South Charleston's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 507 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Clarence J Brown Reservoir Near Springfield (lake), Buck Creek Bl Cj Brown Reservoir Nr Springfield (river).
What South Charleston 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.
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 South Charleston
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near South Charleston, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
YAMADA NA INC SOUTH CHARLESTON, OH45368 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
DOLE FRESH VEGETABLES SPRINGFIELD, OH45502 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
TEIKURO CORP SPRINGFIELD, OH45502 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
PARKER TRUTEC SPRINGFIELD, OH45502 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
CASCADE CORP SPRINGFIELD, OH45505 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Clark County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in South Charleston'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. | 1.3 | 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. | 131.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 131.000 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how South Charleston compares by contaminant
Explore where South Charleston ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where South Charleston's water comes from
South Charleston'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 private ownership and serves approximately 507 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near South Charleston
South Charleston is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving South Charleston
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARMONY ESTATES MOBILE HOME PARK | OH1202512 | 507 | GW |
How South Charleston compares
Full Ohio rankings →South Charleston's score of 87.2/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About South Charleston, OH
Wikipedia →South Charleston is a village in Clark County, Ohio, United States. The population was 1,706 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Springfield, Ohio Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to South Charleston's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clark
Frequently asked questions
Is South Charleston, OH tap water safe to drink?
South Charleston's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #82 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in South Charleston's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is South Charleston'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 South Charleston?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does South Charleston's water come from?
South Charleston's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 507 residents.
Is South Charleston's groundwater at risk of contamination?
South Charleston 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 9 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 South Charleston's water compare to other cities?
South Charleston ranks #82 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 84% of state cities) and #4231 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does South Charleston's small water system affect quality?
South Charleston's system serves approximately 507 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.