Water Quality in Charleston, SC

Charleston's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 80 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

Charleston Water System · Source: Edisto + Bushy Park · Serves 150,227 residents

80
Hardness (PPM)
120
TDS (PPM)
1.2
Chlorine (mg/L)
3
PFAS (ppt)
2
Lead (ppb)
80 PPM 0 400 Moderately Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 80 PPM TDS 120 PPM PFAS 3 ppt Lead 2 ppb Chlorine 1.2 mg/L Nitrate 1 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Charleston Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Moderately hardSeasonal taste changes

What Charleston's Water Means for Your Home

Charleston's water is moderately hard at 80 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Charleston, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, Charleston's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1.2 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)80 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids120 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)3 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead2 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1.2 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate1 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Charleston Homes

🔄 Salt-Free Conditioner (Optional)
At 80 PPM, Charleston's water is moderately hard. Scale buildup is slow but noticeable over years, especially in tankless water heaters. A salt-free conditioner is a low-maintenance option if you want to extend appliance life.
Learn more about this solution →

About Charleston's Water Supply

Water Utility: Charleston Water System

Water Source: Edisto + Bushy Park

Population Served: 150,227

Hardness: 80 PPM (undefined grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Charleston Water System. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Charleston to Other South Carolina Cities

Columbia

48 PPM · Slightly Hard

Greenville

30 PPM · Slightly Hard

North Charleston

47 PPM · Slightly Hard

Rock Hill

44 PPM · Slightly Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Charleston Water

Is Charleston tap water safe to drink?
Charleston's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Charleston?
At 80 PPM, Charleston's water is moderately hard. Some homeowners at this level do not notice problems, while others see spotting on glassware, film on shower doors, or reduced soap lathering. Homes with tankless water heaters at this hardness level should strongly consider at least a salt-free conditioner, as scale buildup inside the heat exchanger can void the warranty. For other homes, it depends on your sensitivity and fixtures.
What water filter is best for Charleston?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Charleston's water come from?
Charleston's drinking water is sourced from Edisto + Bushy Park and treated by Charleston Water System.
What is the hardness of Charleston water in grains per gallon?
Charleston's water hardness is undefined grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 80 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as moderately hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Charleston water damage tankless water heaters?
At undefined GPG, Charleston's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.
Is Charleston water safe for babies and infants?
Charleston's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Charleston Water System Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.