Is Wagener, SC 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 ↓
87.1/100
waterverge.com Wagener, SC — Water Quality Report
Wagener's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,210 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wagener's water
Wagener ranks #77 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Wagener 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, Wagener may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wagener, SC water safe to drink?
Wagener's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,210 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wagener
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wagener's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.1/100).
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.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wagener'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
Wagener's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Aiken 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 South Fork Edisto River Above Springfield, Cedar Creek.
Where does Wagener's water come from?
Wagener's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,210 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Edisto River Above Springfield (river), Cedar Creek (river).
What Wagener residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wagener'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.
Wagener'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtAiken 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
Aiken 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 Wagener'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. | 0.8 | 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. | 2.95 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wagener compares by contaminant
Explore where Wagener ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wagener's water comes from
Wagener'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,210 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wagener
Wagener is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wagener
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAGENER TOWN OF (SC0210004) | SC0210004 | 1,210 | GW |
How Wagener compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Wagener's score of 87.1/100 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 Wagener, SC
Wikipedia →Wagener is a town in Aiken County, South Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, Wagener had a population of 631. As of 2010, the town was the largest settlement in the county north of the South Fork Edisto River. It is part of the Augusta, Georgia metropolitan area. The town was also featured in the viral video for the Boots on the Ground (song).
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wagener's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Aiken
Frequently asked questions
Is Wagener, SC tap water safe to drink?
Wagener's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #77 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Wagener's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Wagener'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 Wagener?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wagener's water come from?
Wagener's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,210 residents.
What health violations has Wagener's water system had?
Wagener has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wagener's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wagener 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 Wagener's water compare to other cities?
Wagener ranks #77 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 61% of state cities) and #4264 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 Wagener's small water system affect quality?
Wagener's system serves approximately 1,210 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.