29223
Columbia, SC
COLUMBIA CITY OF (SC4010001)

Is Columbia tap water safe to drink?

Higher concern
Last tested: September 2025
Action Advised
Source: Official EPA UCMR5 federal monitoring data | Last tested September 2025

Can you drink the tap water in Columbia?

Columbia tap water has 5 contaminants above EPA guidelines, including PFPeA at 2,3× the limit (tested September 2025). See the full compound-by-compound breakdown and filter recommendations.

Recommended for Columbia tap water
Water filter for Columbia tap water: Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
Pitcher filter
Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.
Contaminants above EPA limits detected in Columbia. Fastest way to reduce exposure.
See certified filter on Amazon

The health risk for Columbia

PFAS ('forever chemicals') have been detected above EPA limits in this water system's most recent tests. These synthetic chemicals do not break down in the body and are linked to a range of health effects. A certified filter is strongly recommended.
  • PFBS, PFOA, PFOS, PFPeA above limit.
PFPeA concentration (µg/L) September 2025
0 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 0.01 µg/L
0.007 µg/L
Detected
µg/L
0.003 µg/L
EPA limit
guideline
127% above limit
Comparison
vs. guideline
EPA limit: 0.003 µg/L | Your water: 0.007 µg/L
Certified Filters for Columbia Tap Water

PFPeA (a PFAS 'forever chemical') was detected above EPA limits. These filters are independently certified to reduce common drinking-water contaminants.

Water filter recommendation for Columbia tap water: Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
Pitcher filter
Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.
Best for renters or quick setup. No installation needed.
See certified filter on Amazon
Water filter recommendation for Columbia tap water: Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System
Under-sink RO system
Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System
8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.
Best for homeowners. Heavy-duty filtration for long-term protection.
See certified filter on Amazon
Most elevated compounds
Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFPeA
Tested: September 2025 · Canal WTP		 0.007 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 127% above limit
PFOS
Tested: September 2025 · Canal WTP		 0.009 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 115% above limit
PFBS
Tested: September 2025 · Canal WTP		 0.005 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 73% above limit
PFOA
Tested: September 2025 · Canal WTP		 0.007 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 72% above limit
PFPeA
Tested: September 2025 · Lake Murray WTP		 0.004 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 20% above limit
View all tested compounds

Canal WTP · Tested: September 2025

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFPeA 0.007 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 127% above limit
PFOS 0.009 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 115% above limit
PFBS 0.005 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 73% above limit
PFOA 0.007 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 72% above limit
PFHpA 0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 100% of limit
HFPO-DA 0.008 µg/L 0.01 µg/L 78% of limit
PFHxA 0.006 µg/L 3 µg/L 0.2% of limit
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFBA <0.005 µg/L 6 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Lake Murray WTP · Tested: September 2025

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFPeA 0.004 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 20% above limit
HFPO-DA 0.008 µg/L 0.01 µg/L 77% of limit
PFHxA 0.004 µg/L 3 µg/L 0.1% of limit
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFBA <0.005 µg/L 6 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFBS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFOA <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFOS <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
Primary source EPA UCMR5 (2023-2025)
Guideline source EPA drinking water standard (PFPeA: 0,003 µg/L)
Last tested September 2025
Last page update 2026-03-31

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    Data reflects publicly reported utility records from EPA datasets and local utility disclosures. This information is educational and not medical advice.

    Protect your water in Columbia → see certified filters