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Official EPA SDWIS Verified ReportWater Quality & Testing GuideHistorical Record: No Recorded SDWIS Violations

ZIP Code 29228 Water Quality & Testing Report

Columbia, SC · Richland County County · Updated for 2026

Sahajul HaqueCompiled & verified by Sahajul Haque from official EPA SDWIS records
Public Health & Medical Notice: Drinking water quality data on this page reflects historical compliance records submitted under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This information does not constitute medical advice or a real-time safety guarantee. If you are pregnant, nursing, preparing infant formula, or immunocompromised, consult a healthcare provider. Boiling water kills biological pathogens, but does NOT remove chemical contaminants like lead, arsenic, or PFAS.
Quick EPA Verified Answer

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 29228 (Columbia, SC)?

Yes, tap water in ZIP code 29228 (Columbia, SC) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by Columbia City of (sc4010001), the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of A (90/100) with 2 health violations, 5.0 ppb lead, and soft (56 mg/L / 3.3 GPG) water.

Safety Score
A

Water Safety Grade

Excellent — Meets all EPA standards

Health Violations

2

Total Violations

5

Lead Risk

N/A

Contaminants

2

⚠

Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 2 unresolved violations. Contact Columbia City of (sc4010001) for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 29228

Tap water in ZIP code 29228 (Columbia, SC) is distributed by Columbia City of (sc4010001) (EPA ID: SC4010001), serving approximately 319,500 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of A with a composite quality score of 90/100.

Water System

Columbia City of (sc4010001)

EPA ID: SC4010001

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

319,500 residents

County

Richland County County, South Carolina

🧪

Lead Levels in ZIP 29228

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 5.0 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 29228 is 5.0 ppb. This meets the EPA action level of 15 ppb. Health experts recommend a target of 0 ppb for optimal safety.
Lead Level (90th percentile)
5.00 ppb (0.005 mg/L)
Lead (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

6 ppb
Copper (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

0.2 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Unknown
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
🪨

Water Hardness & Mineral Content

Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)

Classification: Soft3.3 GPG · 56 mg/L

Water in ZIP 29228 is classified as Soft (56 mg/L / 3.3 GPG). Soft water produces abundant soap lather, prevents scale buildup in water heaters, and does not leave spots on dishes.

Recommendation: No water softener is needed. Standard carbon filtration is sufficient for taste and chlorine reduction.
Hardness (GPG)

Grains per gallon

3.3 GPG
Hardness (PPM / mg/L)

Parts per million CaCO3

56 mg/L
Appliance Scaling Risk
Very Low

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: Columbia City of (sc4010001) · PWSID: SC4010001

Verify on EPA.gov
📋

Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Columbia City of (sc4010001) has recorded 2 health-based violations out of 5 total violations over the past 5 years. 2 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.

Total Violations (5 yr)
5
Health-Based Violations
2
Unresolved Violations
2
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Critical based on past reporting and enforcement records.

⚗️

Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 2 contaminants with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Consumer Confidence Report Rule, Contaminant 1009.

Consumer Confidence Report RuleContaminant 1009

From Consumer Confidence Report:

Chlorite (Canal Plant) (1.32 ppm*); Chloramines (2.7 ppm); Chlorine Dioxide (Lake Plant) (552 ppb); Chlorine Dioxide (Canal Plant) (514 ppb); Total Coliform Bacteria (2.6 % positive)

⚖ Enforcement Actions

EPA or state regulators have issued 10 enforcement actions to address compliance lapses.
🌊

Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
CCR Source Classification
Surface water: Broad River (via Columbia Canal) and Lake Murray
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 29228

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 29228 served by Columbia City of (sc4010001) can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.

Tap Water Testing Steps

  • 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
  • 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
  • 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.

Private Well Testing Steps

  • •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
  • •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
  • •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Certified Lab Testing: Always use an EPA-certified drinking water laboratory in SC for formal legal or real estate compliance testing.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 29228 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Columbia City of (sc4010001)
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Recommended Taste & Safety Filter:

🚰

NSF/ANSI 53 Certified Pitcher Filter

Best for removing aesthetic chlorine, odors, and low-level heavy metals.

Filter Selection Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 29228 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 29228?+
Yes — tap water in 29228 (Columbia, SC) meets EPA standards with a water safety grade of A. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years.
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 29228 (Columbia, SC)?+
To test water quality in ZIP 29228, you can order a certified drinking water test kit or send water samples to an EPA/NELAP certified laboratory in SC. Certified testing checks for lead, coliform bacteria, nitrates, hardness, and PFAS that standard test strips miss. Contact South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for a list of certified regional labs.
How hard is the tap water in 29228?+
Tap water in 29228 is classified as Soft with an estimated mineral hardness of 56 mg/L (3.3 GPG). No water softener is needed. Standard carbon filtration is sufficient for taste and chlorine reduction.
Should I test private well water in 29228?+
Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 29228 are not regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners should test their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
What is the lead level in 29228 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 29228 is 5.0 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.
Is there an active boil water notice in 29228?+
There are currently no active boil water advisories on record for 29228. Water treatment systems are operating within normal parameters.
Who provides tap water to 29228?+
Tap water in ZIP code 29228 is provided by Columbia City of (sc4010001) (EPA ID: SC4010001), serving approximately 319,500 residents.
What water filter should I use in 29228?+
Based on water metrics for 29228, we recommend Reverse Osmosis (PFAS & Lead). Look for certifications such as NSF/ANSI 53 (Chemical Contaminants), NSF/ANSI 42 (Aesthetic Effects).

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 29228 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Columbia City of (sc4010001). Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →