Is Sumter, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Sumter tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 3 of 3 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for lithium. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.
Where Does Sumter Get Its Water?
Water in Sumter, SC is provided by 4 public water systems: SUMTER CITY OF (SC4310001), HIGH HILLS RURAL WATER CO INC (4320003), CASSATT WTR KERSHAW-LEE CO RWA and SHAW AFB (SC4310501).
How Is Sumter Tap Water Treated?
Treated water is disinfected using chloramines and free chlorine. Treatment includes conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), granular activated carbon filtration and groundwater disinfection.
What's in Sumter Tap Water?
The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Sumter public water systems. 3 of 3 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lithium | 33.6 µg/L | 10 µg/L | 2 ZIPs | Above guideline |
| PFHxS | 0.0042 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 1 ZIP | Above guideline |
| PFTrDA | 0.007 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| HFPO-DA | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| PFBA | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for Sumter
Based on EPA monitoring data, 3 of 3 ZIP codes in Sumter 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 Broad-Spectrum Filters for This Water Profile
This city profile includes PFAS detections, chlorine disinfection, and other dissolved contaminants. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems certified under NSF/ANSI 58 provide broad reduction coverage; for PFAS specifically, confirm NSF/ANSI P473 or equivalent PFAS reduction certification.
8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.
See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sumter Tap Water
Is Sumter tap water safe to drink?
Sumter tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 3 of 3 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 Sumter tap water?
The most commonly detected contaminants in Sumter water systems include: lithium, PFHxS, PFTrDA. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.
Where does Sumter get its drinking water?
Sumter receives water from 4 public water systems, including SUMTER CITY OF (SC4310001).
Do I need a water filter in Sumter?
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 Sumter tap water tested?
Public water systems in Sumter 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 2025-09-17.
Tap water reports by ZIP in Sumter
- 29150 - Midfield, Sumter tap water report Higher concern
- 29152 - Wen-le, Sumter tap water report Higher concern
- 29153 - Gatewood Park, Sumter tap water report Higher concern
Water utilities serving Sumter, 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.
- SUMTER CITY OF (SC4310001)Action advised
- CASSATT WTR KERSHAW-LEE CO RWALooks OK
- SUMTER-WESSEX S/D (SC4350016)No recent federal sampling
Also covers / overlaps with
- Shaw AFB-Horatio CCD, SC · Township
- Sumter CCD, SC · Township
- Ashwood, SC · CDP
- Ashwood CCD, SC · Township
- East Sumter, SC · CDP
- Lakewood, SC · CDP
- Mulberry, SC · CDP
- Oswego, SC · CDP
- Privateer CCD, SC · Township
- Shaw Afb, SC · Community
- South Sumter, SC · CDP
- Sumter North CCD, SC · Township
- Sumter Northeast CCD, SC · Township
- Sumter Southeast CCD, SC · Township