North Charleston
SC

Is North Charleston, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?

North Charleston tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 7 of 7 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for PFOS. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.

5Water systems
7ZIP codes
100%ZIPs above EPA guideline
Metro areaCharleston-North Charleston, SC
Latest data2025-09-24

Where Does North Charleston Get Its Water?

Water in North Charleston, SC is provided by 5 public water systems: CHARLESTON WATER SYSTEM (SC1010001), DCWA CALOMET VALLEY (1850009), DCWA KNIGHTSVILLE (1820001), DCWS ASHLEY PHOSPHATE (1820008) and SUMMERVILLE CPW (SC1810003).

How Is North Charleston Tap Water Treated?

Treated water is disinfected using free chlorine and calcium hypochlorite and chloramines. Treatment includes conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), direct filtration and groundwater disinfection.

What's in North Charleston Tap Water?

The following contaminants were detected most frequently in North Charleston public water systems. 7 of 7 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.

ContaminantPeak detectedEPA guidelineZIPs detectedStatus
PFOS 0.0081 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 7 ZIPs Above guideline
lithium 11.6 µg/L 10 µg/L 1 ZIP Above guideline
PFPeA 0.007 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 7 ZIPs Above guideline
PFTrDA 0.007 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
PFOA 0.0065 µg/L — 7 ZIPs Within guideline

Health Risk Profile for North Charleston

Based on EPA monitoring data, 7 of 7 ZIP codes in North Charleston have recorded detections above EPA health guidelines. Sensitive populations such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may benefit from an additional layer of protection such as a certified point-of-use filter.

Best Filters for PFAS Water Profile

PFAS compounds are detected in this water supply. A reverse osmosis (RO) system or an activated-carbon filter specifically certified under NSF/ANSI P473 is required for reliable PFAS reduction. Standard pitcher and faucet filters without P473 certification do not remove PFAS.

Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System
Under-sink RO system

8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.

Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
Pitcher filter

NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.

See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.

Frequently Asked Questions about North Charleston Tap Water

Is North Charleston tap water safe to drink?

North Charleston tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 7 of 7 ZIP codes show contaminant levels above EPA health-based guidelines. A certified point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.

What contaminants are in North Charleston tap water?

The most commonly detected contaminants in North Charleston water systems include: PFOS, lithium, PFPeA. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.

Where does North Charleston get its drinking water?

North Charleston receives water from 5 public water systems, including CHARLESTON WATER SYSTEM (SC1010001).

Do I need a water filter in North Charleston?

If your ZIP code is among those with detections above EPA health guidelines, choose a filter certified for the specific contaminants shown in your ZIP report. Reverse osmosis is generally the broadest option for PFAS, lithium, and many other dissolved contaminants.

How often is North Charleston tap water tested?

Public water systems in North Charleston are required by the EPA to test for regulated contaminants on schedules ranging from daily (for microbials and disinfectants) to annual or triennial (for many chemical contaminants). Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The data on this page reflects the most recent available EPA monitoring results, with the latest sample date of 2025-09-24.

Tap water reports by ZIP in North Charleston

Water utilities serving North Charleston, SC

Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.

Modeled boundaries are shown with a dashed outline.

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