PFAS in South Carolina

PFAS in South Carolina’s drinking water

I recognize that fresh, safe drinking water is a priority for everyone. Yet the persistence of PFAS in the environment makes drinking water one of the most studied pathways of exposure. Once PFAS enter aquifers or surface water sources, they can travel long distances and reach municipal treatment facilities. Most conventional water treatment processes are not designed to eliminate PFAS entirely, which heightens concern for households drawing water from affected systems as well as private wells.

High-risk areas and affected counties

Certain counties have been flagged for elevated PFAS in their water supplies. These include Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, and areas in the Midlands like Richland County. For example, North Charleston lies near Joint Base Charleston, a known source of PFAS-laden firefighting foam. High PFAS levels found in Six Mile Creek in Cayce also highlight how quickly contamination can spread.

• Charleston: Tap water samples reached 33 ppt in some tests, above thresholds recommended by the EPA.

• North Charleston: Military sites have recorded PFAS concentrations thousands of times higher than the EPA’s health guidelines.

• Cayce: Six Mile Creek tested at 50 ppt PFOS, substantially exceeding the proposed federal maximum of 4 ppt.

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) testing

DHEC actively monitors PFAS as part of its broader initiatives to protect public health. The department oversees periodic water sampling through the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5), which mandates that large public water systems, and a representative group of smaller ones, test for contaminants not yet regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

• By analyzing data from DHEC, I learned that PFAS have been detected at varying levels in public water supplies.

• Private well testing is not always covered by these programs, so well owners often need to undertake independent lab analyses.

South Carolina does not currently have specific state-level regulations for PFAS, relying instead on federal guidance. However, the state is involved in ongoing discussions to develop enforceable guidelines, particularly around the PFOS and PFOA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) that the EPA recently proposed.

Common sources: Military bases, industrial sites, AFFF foam

Evidence strongly suggests the primary PFAS sources in South Carolina include:

1. Military bases: Older firefighting foams used during training and emergency response contained significant amounts of PFAS. Joint Base Charleston and the former Charleston Naval Base in North Charleston are among documented hotspots of contamination.

2. Industrial manufacturers: Several industries have historically used PFAS in production, especially those requiring nonstick, waterproof, or stain-resistant properties.

3. Airports and fire training sites: Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used to combat fuel fires often contains PFAS, leading to potential runoff into nearby water bodies.

PFAS in South Carolina’s soil and agriculture

PFAS can also accumulate in soil and migrate into crops. According to the research I have reviewed, certain areas near industrial sites or sewage treatment plants see higher soil PFAS concentrations. This contamination can spread to farmland via contaminated water used for irrigation or through biosolids applied as fertilizer.

• Livestock that graze on contaminated land or consume PFAS-laden water may have elevated chemical levels in their bodies.

• Crops grown in contaminated soil can also take up small amounts of PFAS.

• Some farmland in South Carolina might face unique challenges if it is near known PFAS hot zones such as Charleston, North Charleston, or other areas with historically high usage of firefighting foams.

From my assessment, DHEC, the EPA, and collaborating research programs are still gathering data on how PFAS move through soil and how they affect different crops in the region. As these studies progress, farmers may receive guidance on alternative water sources, updated soil testing procedures, or best practices for reducing contamination risks to their produce.

Health effects of PFAS exposure

Extensive research has explored PFAS influences on human health. Not all findings are conclusive, but evidence from epidemiological studies, coupled with consistent observations in animal models, suggests that PFAS may be associated with health issues such as:

• Immune system dysfunction

• Kidney and testicular cancer

• Thyroid disease

• Gestational problems such as low birth weight

• Elevated cholesterol and liver enzyme changes

I also want to note that ongoing research is focusing on the health effects of combined PFAS exposures. Most people are exposed to multiple PFAS compounds, and scientists are researching how these mixtures may influence long-term human health. Differences between animal and human physiology can complicate direct comparisons, but findings thus far indicate that PFAS may alter hormone regulation, immune responses, and cellular metabolism.

PFAS-linked diseases in South Carolina

While not everyone in South Carolina with PFAS in their blood will inevitably develop an illness, certain diseases have been repeatedly linked to PFAS exposure. I have seen references to increased disease rates among communities drinking water with elevated PFAS levels. Below are some of the conditions most commonly associated with PFAS in research findings.

Kidney cancer

Kidney cancer is one of the illnesses most strongly correlated with PFAS exposure. According to multiple studies, including those funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), individuals with higher PFAS levels in the bloodstream can face a heightened risk of kidney tumors. Though further investigation is needed to confirm causal relationships, noticing elevated PFAS in some South Carolina water systems understandably raises concerns.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer has also been observed in populations exposed to higher PFAS concentrations. Affected communities near factory sites or firefighting foam training facilities have shown slightly higher rates, implying that PFAS might disrupt hormone functions or cellular processes in ways that may increase tumor formation.

Thyroid disease

Thyroid dysfunction is a frequently cited potential outcome of PFAS exposure. Studies in humans and animals have shown possible disruptions of thyroid hormones, which regulate essential processes in metabolism and growth. In South Carolina, regions such as Charleston and Summerville, where PFAS levels exceed proposed federal thresholds, are closely watched for potential long-term endocrine impacts on residents.

Liver damage and cholesterol changes

PFAS have been implicated in liver injury and elevated cholesterol. The National Toxicology Program indicates that individuals affected by PFAS contamination may experience altered liver enzyme profiles. Additionally, associations between PFAS and higher cholesterol levels have prompted some health experts to recommend that individuals in heavily affected areas get periodic blood tests. This is particularly relevant for residents who have consumed potentially contaminated water for many years.

How South Carolina is responding to the PFAS crisis

DHEC, federal agencies, and local governments are collaborating to determine and reduce PFAS levels in water supplies, farmland, and industrial sites around the state. While the process is still unfolding, the combined efforts aim to ensure safe drinking water and limit further environmental damage.

DHEC investigations and public advisories

DHEC has significantly increased its monitoring of water quality through UCMR 5. Local water providers must sample and test for 29 PFAS compounds and report their results. When contamination is discovered above EPA health advisories, DHEC typically works with local stakeholders to issue notices, provide updated public guidance, or encourage mitigation strategies like blending water from alternate sources.

• DHEC also publishes updates on PFAS-related investigations. In some areas, property owners have been asked to switch to bottled water or install specialized filtration systems if they rely on wells with PFAS above recommended levels.

• Public advisories also inform residents about safe levels of local seafood consumption, particularly for fish species that can accumulate PFAS in their tissues.

State-funded water testing and mitigation projects

Over the last few years, South Carolina has initiated or collaborated on programs to finance water testing and pilot remediation projects. These include:

• Grants for small public water systems to upgrade infrastructure and install activated carbon or reverse-osmosis filters.

• Soil sampling near industrial hot spots for a more accurate representation of PFAS distribution and potential effects on agriculture.

• Ongoing partnerships with universities examining new technologies for PFAS removal and disposal.

EPA support and site remediation

The EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap sets forth a schedule for establishing MCLs for several PFAS compounds, including PFOS and PFOA. Once the regulations are finalized, public water systems typically have three years to comply.

South Carolina has identified multiple sites, including military and industrial properties, slated for cleanup or remediation with federal support. Techniques can include short-term measures like providing alternative water sources to residents and long-term remediation methods such as pump-and-treat systems and soil excavation.

Can you test your water or soil for PFAS in South Carolina?

I often receive questions from individuals concerned about PFAS in their tap water or on their land. While many public water providers now test regularly, private well owners remain responsible for testing their wells. Likewise, those with farmland or home gardens in potentially contaminated areas may wish to analyze soil PFAS concentrations.

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Contact your local water utility to request the latest sampling results.

2. If you have a private well, hire a state-certified laboratory for PFAS testing. You can find accredited labs through DHEC resources or the EPA website.

3. If you suspect soil contamination, especially near a known contamination source, you can collect soil samples and have them analyzed by an environmental testing lab.

4. Use filters recommended by experts, such as granular activated carbon (GAC) or reverse osmosis systems, which can reduce PFAS levels in household drinking water.

Do you qualify for a PFAS lawsuit in South Carolina?

If you suspect that PFAS exposure has harmed your health, impacted your property value, or increased your family’s medical expenses, you may be eligible to file a claim. In my experience, the potential grounds for lawsuits can involve:

• Documented PFAS levels in your drinking water, private well, or soil.

• Diagnoses of diseases commonly linked to PFAS exposure, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, or thyroid problems.

• Clear indications that a particular industry, military base, or firefighting site caused your exposure.

To learn more about your legal options, you can read about the broader scope of PFAS lawsuits here:

• Water Contamination Lawsuit

• DuPont Lawsuit

Attorneys specializing in environmental litigation can evaluate your situation, determine if you meet the criteria for filing a PFAS lawsuit, and help you pursue rightful compensation if negligence or misconduct is proven.

Why choose Legal Claim Assistant

I know how daunting it can be to navigate the legal complexities of environmental contamination cases. That is why Legal Claim Assistant focuses on:

• Matching you with an experienced attorney who understands South Carolina’s regulatory landscape and PFAS litigation precedent.

• Offering a free consultation that assesses whether your health problems, property damage, or economic losses meet the threshold for a lawsuit.

• Streamlining the filing process, ensuring that any deadlines are met and that you have every chance to secure a fair resolution.

Legal Claim Assistant’s track record in connecting victims of environmental hazards with knowledgeable legal advocates stands out. I recommend working with them if you are in need of professional legal support related to PFAS in the state.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

I aim to clarify common concerns about PFAS contamination and avenues for recourse. Below are frequently asked questions I receive from individuals worried about water safety, potential illnesses, and legal pathways.