Is Wallace, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.5/100
waterverge.com Wallace, SC — Water Quality Report
Wallace's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,552 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 12 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wallace's water
Wallace ranks #63 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Wallace 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wallace, SC water safe to drink?
Wallace's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,552 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wallace
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wallace's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3597). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4677). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), E. COLI.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wallace's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wallace's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Marlboro County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. 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 Pee Dee River Above Jones Creek, Pee Dee River, Thompson Creek Above Cheraw, Pee Dee River Nr Bennettsville.
Where does Wallace's water come from?
Wallace's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,552 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pee Dee River Above Jones Creek (river), Pee Dee River (river), Thompson Creek Above Cheraw (river), Pee Dee River Nr Bennettsville (river).
What Wallace residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wallace'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.
Wallace'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 Wallace
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wallace, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 75,109 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DOMTAR PAPER CO BENNETTSVILLE, SC29512 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 75,109 | 9.4 mi |
FLAKEBOARD AMERICA LTD BENNETTSVILLE BENNETTSVILLE, SC29512 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
FCI BENNETTSVILLE BENNETTSVILLE, SC29512 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
CROWN BEVERAGE PACKAGING CHERAW, SC29520 | — | — | 3.7 mi |
SCHAEFFLER GROUP USA INC - PLANT I I CHERAW, SC29520 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Wallace
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- BURLINGTON INDUSTRIES CHERAW4.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMarlboro 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
Marlboro County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wallace compares by contaminant
Explore where Wallace ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wallace's water comes from
Wallace'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 3,552 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wallace
Wallace is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wallace
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WALLACE WATER COMPANY (SC3420002) | SC3420002 | 3,552 | GW |
How Wallace compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Wallace's score of 88.5/100 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 Wallace, SC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wallace's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marlboro
Frequently asked questions
Is Wallace, SC tap water safe to drink?
Wallace's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #63 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Wallace's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Wallace'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 Wallace?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wallace's water come from?
Wallace's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,552 residents.
What health violations has Wallace's water system had?
Wallace has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wallace's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wallace 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 12 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 Wallace's water compare to other cities?
Wallace ranks #63 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 68% of state cities) and #3414 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.