Columbia Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Columbia tap water has some quality concerns you should be aware of. At just 14 ppm (0.8 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 3 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Some Concerns
Monitor recommended
0.8 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Soft water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Columbia Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Columbia tap water has some quality concerns but remains within acceptable limits.
- •3 health-based violations in the past 3 years across 13 water systems.
- •Consider testing your water at home and using a certified water filter for added safety.
The data below shows test results from 13 water utilities serving 322K people in the Columbia area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.
How Hard is Columbia Water?
14 ppm
0.8 grains per gallon
Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Great for skin & hair
Kitchen
No water spots
Laundry
Clothes stay soft
Appliances
No scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Based on 160 water samples from McCormick County.
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Columbia tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Columbia
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
4.97 ppb
Columbia lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2024-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
EPA Compliance History
Action Recommended
Active health-based violations detectedConsider using a certified water filter until violations are resolved. Contact your utility for updates on corrective actions.
3-Year Violation Summary
3
Total Violations
3
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Columbia's Water?
Utility Name
COLUMBIA CITY OF (SC4010001)
EPA System ID (PWSID)
SC4010001
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
322K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Columbia tap water quality
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
Greenville
Soft water
Charleston
Soft water
Conway
Soft water
Bjw&sa (0720003)
Very Hard water
Spartanburg
Soft water
Summerville
Soft water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology