29420
North Charleston, SC
CHARLESTON WATER SYSTEM (SC1010001)

Is North Charleston 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 North Charleston?

North Charleston tap water has 8 contaminants above EPA guidelines, including PFOS at 1,6× the limit (tested September 2025). See the full compound-by-compound breakdown and filter recommendations.

Recommended for North Charleston tap water
Water filter for North Charleston 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 North Charleston. Fastest way to reduce exposure.
See certified filter on Amazon

The health risk for North Charleston

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.
PFOS concentration (µg/L) September 2025
0 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L
0.006 µg/L
Detected
µg/L
0.004 µg/L
EPA limit
guideline
62% above limit
Comparison
vs. guideline
EPA limit: 0.004 µg/L | Your water: 0.006 µg/L
Certified Filters for North Charleston Tap Water

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

Water filter recommendation for North Charleston 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 North Charleston 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
PFOS
Tested: September 2025 · Charleston Water System		 0.006 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 62% above limit
PFPeA
Tested: September 2024 · Charleston CPW - Connection		 0.005 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 60% above limit
PFPeA
Tested: September 2025 · Charleston Water System		 0.004 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 47% above limit
PFOS
Tested: September 2024 · Charleston CPW - Connection		 0.005 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 38% above limit
PFBS
Tested: September 2025 · Charleston Water System		 0.004 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 27% above limit
View all tested compounds

Charleston CPW - Connection · Tested: Multiple dates

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFPeA 0.005 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 60% above limit
PFOS 0.005 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 38% above limit
PFBS 0.004 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 20% above limit
PFOA 0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 7% above limit
PFHxA 0.004 µg/L 3 µg/L 0.1% of limit
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 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
PFHpA <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

Charleston Water System · Tested: September 2025

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFOS 0.006 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 62% above limit
PFPeA 0.004 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 47% above limit
PFBS 0.004 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 27% above limit
PFOA 0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 3% above limit
PFHxA 0.004 µg/L 3 µg/L 0.1% of limit
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 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
PFHpA <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
Primary source EPA UCMR5 (2023-2025)
Guideline source EPA PFAS drinking water standard (PFOS: 0,004 µg/L, effective 2024, compliance by 2031)
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 North Charleston → see certified filters