Nitrite in South Carolina Drinking Water
South Carolina has 5,512 public water systems. 2373 have recorded nitrite violations.
Total Systems
5,512
With Violations
2,373
EPA MCL
1
Population Served
4.7M
Nitrite in South Carolina: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
5,512
Systems with Violations
2,373
Lead Violations
65
Copper Violations
278
EPA Standard
1 mg/L as N
MCLG (goal): 1 mg/L
Water Systems with Violations in South Carolina
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| BGWC CHARLESWOOD S/D (4050008) | 484 | 1678 |
| BGWC LEXINGTON ESTATES (SC3250050) | 419 | 780 |
| BGWC PURDY SHORES (0150014) | 268 | 780 |
| BGWC SHILOH QUARTERS (SC4660092) | 157 | 715 |
| BGWC LAKEWOOD (SC0450065) | 183 | 475 |
| BGWC FARROWWOOD ESTATES (SC4050012) | 356 | 468 |
| BGWC OAKRIDGE HUNT CLUB (SC4050019) | 208 | 467 |
| BGWC MIDDLESTREAM (SC4650052) | 88 | 464 |
Health Effects of Nitrite Exposure
Blue baby syndrome
Can block oxygen in blood of infants under 6 months
Methemoglobinemia
Converts hemoglobin, reducing blood oxygen-carrying capacity
Infants below 6 months can develop methemoglobinemia ('blue baby syndrome'). Combined nitrate+nitrite limit is 10 mg/L.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there nitrite in South Carolina water?
South Carolina has 5,512 public water systems. 2373 have recorded nitrite violations based on EPA SDWIS data. If you are on a private well, your water is not covered by these regulations and should be tested independently.
How can I check my South Carolina water for nitrite?
Search for your water system using the WaterCheck system lookup, or contact your utility and request a copy of your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The CCR is published annually and lists all detected contaminants, their levels, and the EPA MCLs. For private wells, contact a state-certified lab for independent testing.
What is the EPA limit for nitrite?
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for nitrite is 1 mg/L as N. Systems that exceed MCLs are required to notify customers and take corrective action.
Nitrite at a Glance
Source
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks and sewage; erosion of natural deposits
How to Filter Nitrite
- +Reverse osmosis removes nitrite
- +Ion exchange systems can remove nitrite
- +Do not give water with elevated nitrite to infants