Is Swansea, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.2/100
waterverge.com Swansea, SC — Water Quality Report
Swansea's drinking water received a grade of B (76.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,923 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 13.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 23 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Swansea's water
Swansea ranks #158 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Swansea may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Swansea, SC water safe to drink?
Swansea's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,923 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Swansea
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Swansea's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Swansea's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Swansea's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lexington 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 North Fork Edisto River.
Where does Swansea's water come from?
Swansea's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,923 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include North Fork Edisto River (river).
What Swansea residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Swansea'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.
Swansea'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 Swansea
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Swansea, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 36,655 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALPEK POLYESTER USA LLC-COLUMBIA SITE GASTON, SC29053 | 1,4-Dioxane | 36,655 | 9.8 mi |
ZEUS CO LLC CSC GASTON, SC29053 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
ZEUS CO LLC GSC GASTON, SC29053 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
NUCOR BUILDING SYSTEMS SWANSEA, SC29160 | — | — | 1.3 mi |
TANNER INDUSTRIES INC. SWANSEA, SC29160 | — | — | 1.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtLexington 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
Lexington 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 Swansea'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. | 13.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Swansea compares by contaminant
Explore where Swansea ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Swansea's water comes from
Swansea'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 1,923 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Swansea
Swansea 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 Swansea
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWANSEA TOWN OF (SC3210006) | SC3210006 | 1,923 | SWP |
How Swansea compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Swansea's score of 76.2/100 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 Swansea, SC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Swansea's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lexington
Frequently asked questions
Is Swansea, SC tap water safe to drink?
Swansea's water quality earned a grade of B (76.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #158 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Swansea's water?
Lead was measured at 13.0 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Swansea'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 Swansea?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Swansea's water come from?
Swansea's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,923 residents.
What health violations has Swansea's water system had?
Swansea has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Swansea's water compare to other cities?
Swansea ranks #158 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 19% of state cities) and #9371 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Swansea's small water system affect quality?
Swansea's system serves approximately 1,923 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 23 violations on record.