Is Whitmire, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.6/100
waterverge.com Whitmire, SC — Water Quality Report
Whitmire's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,256 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 15 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Whitmire's water
Whitmire ranks #47 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, Whitmire may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Whitmire, SC water safe to drink?
Whitmire's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,256 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Whitmire
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Whitmire's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Whitmire's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Whitmire's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Newberry 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 Tyger River Above Whitmire Highway Nr Whitmire, Enoree River.
Where does Whitmire's water come from?
Whitmire's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,256 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Tyger River Above Whitmire Highway Nr Whitmire (river), Enoree River (river).
What Whitmire 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.
Whitmire'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 Whitmire
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Whitmire, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 42 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STELLA-JONES CORP WHITMIRE, SC29178 | Arsenic And Arsenic Compounds | 42 | 3.9 mi |
SEA PRO BOATS WHITMIRE, SC29178 | — | — | 1.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtNewberry 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
Newberry 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.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Whitmire compares by contaminant
Explore where Whitmire ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Whitmire's water comes from
Whitmire'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 2,256 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Whitmire
Whitmire is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Whitmire
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHITMIRE TOWN OF (3610004) | SC3610004 | 2,256 | SW |
How Whitmire compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Whitmire's score of 89.6/100 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 Whitmire, SC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Whitmire's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Newberry
Frequently asked questions
Is Whitmire, SC tap water safe to drink?
Whitmire's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #47 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Whitmire's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Whitmire'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 Whitmire?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Whitmire's water come from?
Whitmire's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,256 residents.
What health violations has Whitmire's water system had?
Whitmire has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Whitmire's water compare to other cities?
Whitmire ranks #47 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 76% of state cities) and #2711 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Whitmire's small water system affect quality?
Whitmire's system serves approximately 2,256 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 15 violations on record.