SCDHEC: Green Guide

Safe drinking water: Who’s responsible?

If you’re like most people, you expect safe drinking water when you turn on the faucet.
But who is responsible for making sure your water is safe?

The answer: It depends on where you live and whether you get your water from a:

local government water system;
private sector water system; or
private well.

If you get your water from a well, you are responsible for monitoring the quality of your water. DHEC can test your well water for a fee.

If you get your water from a government or private water system, DHEC is responsible for making sure these systems comply with all state and federal regulations. Water systems are required to test and treat their water, maintain reliable distribution systems, and report water quality test results to DHEC.

Drinking Water Quality Reports

The annual drinking water quality reports that government and private water providers publish and share with DHEC are also known as consumer confidence reports. The reports include information on a system’s overall water quality, sources, and any contaminants found in the water.

Some water systems post their water quality reports online. Others ask that you contact them directly for a copy of their report.