Columbia Water Quality
South Carolina
The tap water in Columbia, South Carolina is served by 14 EPA-regulated water systems covering approximately 323,172 people. 19 health-based violations are on record, most recently for 1009 in 2024. Data source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System.
Drinking water in Columbia, South Carolina is delivered through 14 EPA-regulated community water systems serving an estimated 323,172 people. Each system is tracked in the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) under the Safe Drinking Water Act, which requires testing for regulated contaminants, consumer notification of violations, and publication of an annual Consumer Confidence Report.
The SDWIS record for Columbia shows 19 total violations across all 14 systems, of which 19 are health-based, meaning either a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) was exceeded or a required treatment technique was not followed. Contaminants cited in health-based violations include 1009, 5200, 8000, 0300, 3100 and 1 others. 30 TRI-reporting industrial facilities are also located within the city limits.
A past EPA violation does not mean the water is currently unsafe, utilities are required to notify customers and remediate under state primacy oversight. For current water-quality status and treatment practices, review your local utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report or contact the South Carolina drinking water program. All records above reflect federal EPA SDWIS data and are not independently verified against state databases.
Community Water Systems
| System Name | Pop. Served | Violations | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLUMBIA CITY OF (SC4010001) | 319,500 | 4 | Health |
| LIEBER CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE (1870050) | 1,646 | 0 | Clean |
| MACDOUGALL CORRECTIONAL INST (SC0870050) | 790 | 0 | Clean |
| BAY CAPITAL WATER WORKS (SC4050031) | 647 | 0 | Clean |
| PALMETTO PARK (4060006) | 132 | 1 | Health |
| LAKEWOOD MHP (SC4060032) | 110 | 2 | Health |
| SANDY HILL MHP (SC4060064) | 81 | 2 | Health |
| FREEWAY MHP (SC4060005) | 80 | 0 | Clean |
| WINSOR VALLEY MHP (SC4060008) | 68 | 0 | Clean |
| CEDAR RETIREMENT CENTER (SC3270010) | 45 | 0 | Clean |
| 611 HARMON LLC (SC4060012) | 24 | 3 | Health |
| PINE VALLEY COMMUNITY (SC4060024) | 21 | 1 | Health |
| MCDONALDS MHP (SC4060010) | 16 | 2 | Health |
| PERCIVAL ESTATES MHP (SC4060021) | 12 | 4 | Health |
Does this city have health-based water violations?
Health-based violations indicate contaminant levels that exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). This does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe.
| Contaminant | Begin Date |
|---|---|
| 1009 | 2024-12-01 |
| 1009 | 2024-12-01 |
| 5200 | 2024-10-17 |
| 5200 | 2024-10-17 |
| 5200 | 2024-10-17 |
| 8000 | 2021-08-01 |
| 8000 | 2021-08-01 |
| 8000 | 2021-04-01 |
| 0300 | 2015-11-01 |
| 3100 | 2015-09-01 |
| 5000 | 2012-01-01 |
| 5000 | 2012-01-01 |
| 5000 | 2005-01-01 |
| 5000 | 2004-06-01 |
| 5000 | 2003-01-01 |
| 5000 | 1998-01-01 |
| 5000 | 1998-01-01 |
| 5000 | 1997-01-01 |
| 5000 | 1996-01-01 |
TRI Facilities in Columbia
| Facility | Total Releases |
|---|---|
| Sea-Hunt Boat Manufacturing Co Inc | 1.3M lbs |
| Shaw Industries Group Inc Plant 8S | 258.4K lbs |
| American Italian Pasta Co | 152.8K lbs |
| Engineered Composites | 135.3K lbs |
| Fn America LLC | 75.2K lbs |
| Precoat Metals | 55.6K lbs |
| Lindau Chemicals Inc. | 42.2K lbs |
| General Shale Brick Inc. - Plant 14 | 13.9K lbs |
| Husqvarna Construction Products N.a. Inc. | 13.3K lbs |
| Tyson Fresh Meats Inc. | 10.7K lbs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia, South Carolina water safe to drink? ▼
How many water violations does Columbia have? ▼
What contaminants were found in Columbia water? ▼
How many water systems serve Columbia? ▼
Where does Columbia get its drinking water? ▼
Are there pollution sources near Columbia? ▼
About This Data
Water system data comes from the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Violations are reported by state agencies to EPA and include both health-based (MCL exceedances) and monitoring/reporting violations.
A reported violation does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe to drink. Many violations are resolved quickly, and public water systems are required to notify customers of significant issues. For current water quality, contact your local water utility.
TRI facility data comes from the EPA Toxic Release Inventory. Facilities shown are those that self-report to the TRI program. PlainEnviro presents this data without advocacy framing.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.