Is Sullivans Island, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.3/100
waterverge.com Sullivans Island, SC — Water Quality Report
Sullivans Island's drinking water received a grade of A (90.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,521 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 5 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sullivans Island's water
Sullivans Island ranks #41 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.
As a small community water system, Sullivans Island may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sullivans Island, SC water safe to drink?
Sullivans Island's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,521 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Sullivans Island
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sullivans Island's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.3/100).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Fluoride.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sullivans Island's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sullivans Island's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Where does Sullivans Island's water come from?
Sullivans Island's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,521 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Sullivans Island 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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCharleston 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.
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 Sullivans Island compares by contaminant
Explore where Sullivans Island ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sullivans Island's water comes from
Sullivans Island'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 2,521 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Sullivans Island
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SULLIVANS ISLAND TOWN OF (1010003) | SC1010003 | 2,521 | SWP |
How Sullivans Island compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Sullivans Island's score of 90.3/100 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 Sullivans Island, SC
Wikipedia →Sullivan's Island, historically known as O'Sullivan's Island, is a town and island in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States, at the entrance to Charleston Harbor, with a population of 1,791 at the 2010 census, and 1,891 people in 2020. The town is part of the Charleston metropolitan area and is considered a very affluent suburb of Charleston.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sullivans Island's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Charleston
Frequently asked questions
Is Sullivans Island, SC tap water safe to drink?
Sullivans Island's water quality earned a grade of A (90.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #41 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Sullivans Island's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Sullivans Island'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 Sullivans Island?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sullivans Island's water come from?
Sullivans Island's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,521 residents.
What health violations has Sullivans Island's water system had?
Sullivans Island has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 1997. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Sullivans Island's water compare to other cities?
Sullivans Island ranks #41 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 79% of state cities) and #2296 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sullivans Island's small water system affect quality?
Sullivans Island's system serves approximately 2,521 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 5 violations on record.