EWG's drinking water quality report showsresults of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control, as well asinformation from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2021 - March 2021), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility Details
- Folly Beach, South Carolina
- Serves: 3,852
- Data available: 2014-2019
- Source: Purchased surface water
Contaminants Detected
10
EXCEED
EWG HEALTH
GUIDELINES
22 Total Contaminants
- Legal does not necessarily equal safe. Getting a passing grade from the federal government does not mean the water meets the latest health guidelines.
- Legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost 20 years.
- The best way to ensure clean tap water is to keep pollution out of source water in the first place.
What To Do
Filter contaminants outContact Your Local OfficialWhat About Lead?
PFAS Detected (UCMR-5 Update)
The Environmental Protection Agency in August 2023 released a set of public water system testing data for the “forever chemicals” known asPFAS, as required by itsFifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, or UCMR5. The EPA released the following results.
Contaminants Detected Table*
| PFAS NAME | DETECTS/SAMPLES | % DETECTED | RANGE OF SAMPLE(S) | DATE(S) OF SAMPLES | PROPOSED LEGAL LIMIT |
| PFBA | 1 / 3 | 33% | 0.0 - 5.3 ppt | 01/10/2023 - 07/24/2023 | |
| PFBS | 3 / 3 | 100% | 3.4 - 3.7 ppt | 01/10/2023 - 07/24/2023 | Hazard Index |
| PFHxA | 3 / 3 | 100% | 4.0 - 6.1 ppt | 01/10/2023 - 07/24/2023 | |
| PFOA | 3 / 3 | 100% | 4.2 - 4.4 ppt | 01/10/2023 - 07/24/2023 | 4 ppt |
| PFOS | 3 / 3 | 100% | 5.5 - 6.6 ppt | 01/10/2023 - 07/24/2023 | 4 ppt |
| PFPeA | 3 / 3 | 100% | 4.3 - 7.3 ppt | 01/10/2023 - 07/24/2023 |
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Contaminants Detected
Bromodichloromethane
Potential Effect: cancer72x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY4.33 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.06 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
X
Bromodichloromethane
more aboutthis contaminant
Bromodichloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Bromodichloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
Bromodichloromethane was found at 72 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
0.06 ppb or less
This Utility
4.33 ppb
National Average
5.79 ppb
State Average
6.08 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.06 ppb for bromodichloromethane was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.
Pollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Chloroform
Potential Effect: cancer11x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY4.32 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.4 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
X
Chloroform
more aboutthis contaminant
Chloroform, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Chloroform and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy.
Chloroform was found at 11 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
0.4 ppb or less
This Utility
4.32 ppb
National Average
15.5 ppb
State Average
17.6 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.4 ppb for chloroform was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.
Pollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Chromium (hexavalent)*
Potential Effect: cancer3.1x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY0.0623 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.02 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
X
Chromium (hexavalent)
more aboutthis contaminant
Chromium (hexavalent) is a carcinogen that commonly contaminates American drinking water. Chromium (hexavalent) in drinking water may be due to industrial pollution or natural occurrences in mineral deposits and groundwater. Read more about chromium (hexavalent).
Chromium (hexavalent) was found at 3.1 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
0.02 ppb or less
This Utility
0.0623 ppb
National Average
0.484 ppb
State Average
0.0852 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2019.
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.02 ppb for chromium (hexavalent) was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer.
Pollution Sources
Industry
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
Reverse Osmosis
Ion Exchange
Dibromoacetic acid
Potential Effect: 34x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY1.37 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.04 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
X
Dibromoacetic acid
more aboutthis contaminant
Dibromoacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
Dibromoacetic acid was found at 34 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
0.04 ppb or less
This Utility
1.37 ppb
National Average
1.1 ppb
State Average
0.603 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.04 ppb for dibromoacetic acid was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a on-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level. This health guideline protects against cancer.
Pollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Dibromochloromethane
Potential Effect: cancer26x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY2.59 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.1 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
X
Dibromochloromethane
more aboutthis contaminant
Dibromochloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Dibromochloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
Dibromochloromethane was found at 26 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
0.1 ppb or less
This Utility
2.59 ppb
National Average
3.29 ppb
State Average
2.28 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for dibromochloromethane was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.
Pollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Dichloroacetic acid
Potential Effect: cancer48x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY9.60 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.2 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
X
Dichloroacetic acid
more aboutthis contaminant
Dichloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
Dichloroacetic acid was found at 48 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
0.2 ppb or less
This Utility
9.6 ppb
National Average
7.97 ppb
State Average
11.1 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.2 ppb for dichloroacetic acid was proposed in 2020 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk.a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.
Pollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Haloacetic acids (HAA5)†
Potential Effect: cancer136x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY13.6 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.1 ppb
LEGAL LIMIT60 ppb
X
Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
more aboutthis contaminant
Haloacetic acids are formed when disinfectants such as chlorine are added to tap water. The group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid.
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) was found at 136 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
0.1 ppb or less
This Utility
13.6 ppb
Legal Limit
60 ppb
National Average
17.1 ppb
State Average
20.2 ppb
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for the group of five haloacetic acids, or HAA5, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level. This health guideline protects against cancer.
Pollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Haloacetic acids (HAA9)*†
Potential Effect: cancer278x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY16.7 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.06 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
X
Haloacetic acids (HAA9)
more aboutthis contaminant
Haloacetic acids are formed when disinfectants such as chlorine are added to tap water. The group of nine haloacetic acids includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid, which are regulated as a group by the federal government (HAA5); and bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, chlorodibromoacetic acid, and tribromoacetic acid.
Haloacetic acids (HAA9) was found at 278 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
0.06 ppb or less
This Utility
16.7 ppb
National Average
23.7 ppb
State Average
23.2 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2021.
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.06 ppb for the group of nine haloacetic acids, or HAA9, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level as . This health guideline protects against cancer.
Pollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)†
Potential Effect: cancer75x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY11.3 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.15 ppb
LEGAL LIMIT80 ppb
X
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
more aboutthis contaminant
Trihalomethanes are cancer-causing contaminants that form during water treatment with chlorine and other disinfectants. The total trihalomethanes group includes four chemicals: chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform.
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) was found at 75 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
0.15 ppb or less
This Utility
11.3 ppb
Legal Limit
80 ppb
National Average
29.7 ppb
State Average
26.4 ppb
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The health guideline of 0.15 parts per billion, or ppb, for the group of four trihalomethanes, or THM4/TTHM, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-one-million lifetime cancer risk level.
Pollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Trichloroacetic acid
Potential Effect: cancer14x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY1.37 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.1 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
X
Trichloroacetic acid
more aboutthis contaminant
Trichloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
Trichloroacetic acid was found at 14 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
0.1 ppb or less
This Utility
1.37 ppb
National Average
6.62 ppb
State Average
7.35 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for trichloroacetic acid was proposed in 2020 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk.a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.
Pollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
Includes chemicals detected in 2017-2019 for which annual utility averages exceeded an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; chemicals detected under the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 3) program in 2013 to 2015 (and subsequent testing when available), for which annual utility averages exceeded a health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; chemicals detected under the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 4) program in 2017 to 2020 (and subsequent testing when available), for which annual utility averages exceeded a health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority.
*This water utility buys or otherwise receives some or all of its finished water from Charleston Water System. Tap water results marked with an * are from the supplying utility.
† HAA5 is a contaminant group that includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid. HAA9 is a contaminant group that includes the chemicals in HAA5 and bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, chlorodibromoacetic acid and tribromoacetic acid. TTHM is a contaminant group that includes bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform and dibromochloromethane.
X
1,4-Dioxane
more aboutthis contaminant
1,4-Dioxane is a solvent classified by the EPA as a likely human carcinogen. It contaminates groundwater in many states due to industrial wastewater discharges, plastic manufacturing runoff and landfill runoff.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
0.35 ppb or less
This Utility
0.15 ppb
National Average
0.0681 ppb
State Average
0.103 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2019.
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.35 ppb for 1,4-dioxane was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.
Pollution Sources
Industry
Runoff & Sprawl
Filtering Options
Reverse Osmosis
X
Bromoform
more aboutthis contaminant
Bromoform, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Bromoform and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
0.5 ppb or less
This Utility
0.0588 ppb
National Average
1.32 ppb
State Average
0.54 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.5 ppb for bromoform was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.
Pollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
X
Chlorate
more aboutthis contaminant
Chlorate forms in drinking water as a byproduct of disinfection. Chlorate impairs thyroid function, making chlorate exposure most harmful during pregnancy and childhood.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
210 ppb or less
This Utility
183.8 ppb
National Average
114.8 ppb
State Average
133.9 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2019.
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 210 ppb for chlorate was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a benchmark for testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program. This health guideline protects against hormone disruption.
Pollution Sources
Agriculture
Industry
Treatment Byproducts
X
Chromium (total)
more aboutthis contaminant
Chromium is a naturally occurring metal, but industrial uses can elevate its levels in water. One form, hexavalent chromium, causes cancer. Total chromium is not a good indicator of the amount of hexavalent chromium in drinking water.
How your levels compare
This Utility
0.035 ppb
Legal Limit
100 ppb
National Average
0.579 ppb
State Average
0.0707 ppb
NO EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion
Pollution Sources
Industry
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
Reverse Osmosis
Ion Exchange
X
Fluoride
more aboutthis contaminant
Fluoride occurs naturally in surface and groundwater and is also added to drinking water by many water systems.
How your levels compare
This Utility
0.402 ppm
Legal Limit
4 ppm
National Average
0.489 ppm
State Average
0.586 ppm
NO EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppm = parts per million
Pollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Reverse Osmosis
X
Manganese
more aboutthis contaminant
Manganese is a naturally occurring element that is common in food and drinking water. Excessive manganese exposures may impair children's attention, memory and intellectual capacity. Click here to read more about manganese.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
100 ppb or less
This Utility
9.34 ppb
National Average
10.1 ppb
State Average
8.28 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 100 ppb for manganese was defined by the state of Minnesota as a health risk limit, the concentration of a contaminant that can be consumed with little or no risk to health. This health guideline protects against harm to the brain and nervous system.
Pollution Sources
Industry
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
Ion Exchange
X
Monobromoacetic acid
more aboutthis contaminant
Monobromoacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
25 ppb or less
This Utility
1.25 ppb
National Average
0.227 ppb
State Average
1.05 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 25 ppb for monobromoacetic acid was proposed in 2020 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk.. This health guideline protects against muscular degeneration.
Pollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
X
Monochloroacetic acid
more aboutthis contaminant
Monochloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
53 ppb or less
This Utility
0.145 ppb
National Average
0.495 ppb
State Average
0.109 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 53 ppb for monochloroacetic acid was proposed in 2020 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk.. This health guideline protects against system toxicity.
Pollution Sources
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis
X
Nitrate
more aboutthis contaminant
Nitrate, a fertilizer chemical, frequently contaminates drinking water due to agricultural and urban runoff, and discharges from municipal wastewater treatment plants and septic tanks. Excessive nitrate in water can cause oxygen deprivation in infants and increase the risk of cancer. Click here to read more about nitrate.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
0.14 ppm or less
This Utility
0.117 ppm
Legal Limit
10 ppm
National Average
0.935 ppm
State Average
0.249 ppm
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppm = parts per million
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.14 ppm for nitrate was defined by EWG . This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.
Pollution Sources
Agriculture
Runoff & Sprawl
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
Reverse Osmosis
Ion Exchange
X
Nitrate and nitrite
more aboutthis contaminant
Nitrate and nitrite enter water from fertilizer runoff, septic tanks and urban runoff. These contaminants can cause oxygen deprivation for infants and increase the risk of cancer. Nitrite is significantly more toxic than nitrate. Click here to read more about nitrate.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
0.14 ppm or less
This Utility
0.1 ppm
Legal Limit
10 ppm
National Average
0.888 ppm
State Average
0.222 ppm
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppm = parts per million
Health Risks
The health guideline of 0.14 parts per million, or ppm, for nitrate and nitrite is based on the equivalent health guideline for nitrate, as defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG. This guideline represents a one-in-one-million annual cancer risk level.
Pollution Sources
Agriculture
Runoff & Sprawl
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
Reverse Osmosis
Ion Exchange
X
Strontium
more aboutthis contaminant
Strontium is a metal that accumulates in the bones. Radioactive strontium-90 can cause bone cancer and leukemia, and any form of strontium at high doses can harm bone health.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
1,500 ppb or less
This Utility
0.0535 ppb
National Average
3.33 ppb
State Average
0.044 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2019.
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 1,500 ppb for strontium was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a benchmark for testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program. This health guideline protects against harm to bones.
Pollution Sources
Industry
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
Reverse Osmosis
Ion Exchange
X
Vanadium
more aboutthis contaminant
Vanadium is a metal used in steels and other alloys. People are commonly exposed to vanadium in water and food. Excessive exposure can be toxic during pregnancy and childhood.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
21 ppb or less
This Utility
0.93 ppb
National Average
1.59 ppb
State Average
0.405 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2019.
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 21 ppb for vanadium was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a benchmark for testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program. This health guideline protects against change in blood chemistry.
Pollution Sources
Industry
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
Ion Exchange
Includes chemicals detected in 2017-2019 for which annual utility averages were lower than an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; chemicals detected under the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 3) program in 2013 to 2015 (and subsequent testing when available), for which annual utility averages were lower than an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority.
Other Contaminants Tested
✕
Chemicals tested for but not detected from 2014 to 2019:
Monochloroacetic acid
Folly Beach, City of compliance with legally mandated federal standards:
- From April 2019 to March 2021, Folly Beach, City ofcomplied with health-based drinking water standards.
Information in this section on Folly Beach, City of comes from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online database (ECHO).
Water Filters That Can Reduce Contaminant Levels
| Contaminant | Activated Carbon | Reverse Osmosis | Ion Exchange |
| CONTAMINANTS ABOVE HEALTH GUIDELINES | |||
| Bromodichloromethane | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Chloroform | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Dibromoacetic acid | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Dibromochloromethane | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Dichloroacetic acid | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Trichloroacetic acid | ✔ | ✔ | |
| OTHER CONTAMINANTS DETECTED | |||
| 1,4-Dioxane | ✔ | ||
| Bromoform | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Chlorate | |||
| Chromium (total) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Fluoride | ✔ | ||
| Manganese | ✔ | ||
| Monobromoacetic acid | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Monochloroacetic acid | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Nitrate | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Nitrate & nitrite | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Strontium | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Vanadium | ✔ | ||
Take Action
Contact Your Local Official
One of the best ways to push for cleaner water is to hold accountable the elected officials who have a say in water quality – from city hall and the state legislature to Congress all the way to the Oval Office – by asking questions and demanding answers.
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Filter Out Contaminants
Check out our recommendations for filters to protect your water against the detected contaminants.
EWG’S WATER FILTER GUIDE
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