The county's agricultural legacy and proximity to the Charleston metro's industrial activity create a mixed contamination risk profile.
- Free in-home test, no obligation to purchase
- On-site testing of your water
- Written report of your results
- Trained ClearFlow specialists
Dorchester County Water Quality Summary
- Water Source
- Varies by utility (Summerville CPW: Lake Moultrie via Santee Cooper); private wells vary
- Primary Concerns
- Hardness, Iron, PFAS, Agricultural Nitrates
- Water Hardness
- Varies by utility; private wells can test harder
- Utility
- Dorchester County Water & Sewer
Your water in Dorchester County
- Water utility
- Summerville CPW and Dorchester County Water Authority (DCWA), among others
- Source
- Lake Moultrie, treated by the Santee Cooper Regional Water System; DCWA's Knightsville area adds well water
- Disinfectant
- Chloramine (added at the Lake Moultrie plant)
- Hardness
- 23 ppm at the Lake Moultrie plant (2025)
- Latest report
- Summerville CPW 2025 water quality report
- Blended in Knightsville. DCWA blends water bought from Summerville CPW with local well water in Knightsville. Calomet Valley and Tranquil get purchased water only. (Dorchester County Water Authority 2025 report)
- PFAS treatment planned. Santee Cooper found PFAS slightly above the new EPA standards and says it will be ready to treat for them. CPW samples averaged 5.7 ppt PFOA and 6.7 ppt PFOS. (Summerville CPW 2025 water quality report)
- No lead service lines. Summerville CPW says it can assert with a high level of confidence that no lead service lines are in its system. (Summerville CPW 2025 water quality report)
Where we test
Also serving the Upstate: Greenville and Spartanburg
Cities & Communities We Serve in Dorchester County
- Summerville
- St. George
- Harleyville
- Ridgeville
- Reevesville
- Dorchester
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the main water concerns in Dorchester County?
Hard water, iron and manganese staining, and potential PFAS from the Charleston metro industrial corridor are the primary concerns for Dorchester County homeowners.
Is Summerville water safe to drink?
Summerville's municipal water meets standards, but in-home testing is the only way to verify what comes out of your specific tap. ClearFlow offers free in-home testing.
How do I schedule a free water test in Dorchester County?
Call (843) 742-1196 or book online. ClearFlow serves all of Dorchester County.