Copper Contamination

Copper in South Carolina Drinking Water

Ranked by 90th percentile copper level (mg/L) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Exceeds Limit

100%

% Exceeds Limit

2.215 mg/L

State Avg

▼ 0% vs national

vs National

151

Health Violations

Analysis

Copper in South Carolina: what the data shows

South Carolina has 49 cities with copper monitoring data. The state average 90th percentile copper level is 2.215 mg/L, compared to 28.808 mg/L nationally — better than the national average. 49 cities exceed the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L. Copper in drinking water typically comes from corrosion of copper pipes and plumbing fixtures, particularly in older homes. The EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L is the 90th percentile threshold — if more than 10% of tap samples exceed it, utilities must take corrective action including adjusting water chemistry to reduce corrosivity. Short-term copper exposure above the action level can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure at elevated levels is associated with liver and kidney damage. Flushing your tap for 30 seconds before use and using an NSF 53-certified filter can reduce copper exposure.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 1.3 mg/L EPA Action Level

South Carolina

100%

49 of 49 cities

← = Exactly at national rate

National avg

100%

3953 of 3953 cities

City Map

Copper data across South Carolina

Each dot is a city, colored by overall water quality grade. Cities with copper levels above the 1.3 mg/L EPA action level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by copper level in South Carolina

Highest Copper levels (mg/L)

All Cities

All South Carolina cities ranked by copper level

#	City	Level	Exceeds?	Violations	Grade
1	Bennettsville	5.210 mg/L	Yes	56	B
2	Landrum	3.850 mg/L	Yes	3	A-
3	Maysville	3.450 mg/L	Yes	1	B+
4	Rock Hill	3.380 mg/L	Yes	45	F
5	Cassatt	3.300 mg/L	Yes	4	A
6	Wedgefield	3.300 mg/L	Yes	19	A-
7	Pineridge	2.960 mg/L	Yes	1	A-
8	Wagener	2.949 mg/L	Yes	1	A-
9	Shaw Afb	2.900 mg/L	Yes	4	B+
10	Bishopville	2.820 mg/L	Yes	0	A-
11	Clover	2.610 mg/L	Yes	19	D
12	Springfield	2.600 mg/L	Yes	0	B+
13	Anderson	2.580 mg/L	Yes	15	C+
14	Lexington	2.550 mg/L	Yes	55	F
15	Dalzell	2.470 mg/L	Yes	7	B-
16	Bethune	2.400 mg/L	Yes	6	B
17	Easley	2.380 mg/L	Yes	2	B+
18	Jackson	2.306 mg/L	Yes	24	A-
19	Batesburg	2.290 mg/L	Yes	7	B-
20	Iva	2.242 mg/L	Yes	6	A-
21	Beech Island	2.200 mg/L	Yes	0	B+
22	West Columbia	2.167 mg/L	Yes	87	F
23	Barnwell	2.130 mg/L	Yes	0	A
24	Langley	2.102 mg/L	Yes	1	B
25	Clearwater	2.100 mg/L	Yes	2	A-
26	Chapin	2.030 mg/L	Yes	33	D+
27	Westminster	2.016 mg/L	Yes	8	C-
28	Gaston	1.880 mg/L	Yes	9	D
29	Laurens	1.873 mg/L	Yes	17	B-
30	Gilbert	1.840 mg/L	Yes	53	B
31	Neeses (Corporate Name For Nee	1.700 mg/L	Yes	2	A-
32	Bath	1.700 mg/L	Yes	8	B+
33	Ridgeway	1.700 mg/L	Yes	21	B
34	Salem	1.678 mg/L	Yes	30	C+
35	Winnsboro	1.666 mg/L	Yes	7	C+
36	Newberry	1.620 mg/L	Yes	28	C
37	Darlington	1.600 mg/L	Yes	6	B+
38	New Ellenton	1.600 mg/L	Yes	3	B+
39	North	1.600 mg/L	Yes	10	B+
40	Perry	1.600 mg/L	Yes	27	A-
41	Columbia	1.580 mg/L	Yes	80	F
42	Hopkins	1.530 mg/L	Yes	15	D
43	York	1.500 mg/L	Yes	65	F
44	Eastover	1.470 mg/L	Yes	3	B+
45	Greenwood	1.460 mg/L	Yes	14	C
46	Ridgeville	1.430 mg/L	Yes	5	B+
47	Gloverville	1.409 mg/L	Yes	2	A
48	Sumter	1.400 mg/L	Yes	15	D
49	Aiken	1.400 mg/L	Yes	11	D

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about copper in South Carolina

Is copper in South Carolina drinking water safe?

49 cities in South Carolina exceed the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L for copper. The state average is 2.215 mg/L. Copper levels are highest in homes with copper plumbing, particularly when water sits in pipes overnight. Flushing the tap before use significantly reduces copper in drinking water.

What causes high copper levels in South Carolina tap water?

Copper typically leaches from copper pipes and brass fittings within homes, not from the water source itself. Corrosive (low pH or soft) water accelerates this leaching. Water utilities with high copper readings are required to adjust water chemistry to reduce corrosivity. You can reduce exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds before use.

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