Water Quality in Rock Hill, SC

Rock Hill's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 44 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

City of Rock Hill Utilities · Source: Catawba River · Serves 74,372 residents

44
Hardness (PPM)
58
TDS (PPM)
1.2
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
2
Lead (ppb)
44 PPM 0 400 Slightly Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 44 PPM TDS 58 PPM PFAS 4 ppt Lead 2 ppb Chlorine 1.2 mg/L Nitrate 1 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Rock Hill Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Generally good quality

Rock Hill draws from the Catawba River. Piedmont geology produces naturally soft water.

What Rock Hill's Water Means for Your Home

Rock Hill's water is slightly hard at 44 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 Rock Hill, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, Rock Hill'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)44 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids58 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)4 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

Good news for ${esc(c.city)} residents. Your water quality is generally good. Most homes in this area do not need a water softener. If you have concerns about lead (especially in buildings constructed before 1986) or chlorine taste, a point-of-use filter is the most practical and cost-effective solution.

About Rock Hill's Water Supply

Water Utility: City of Rock Hill Utilities

Water Source: Catawba River

Population Served: 74,372

Hardness: 44 PPM (2.6 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by City of Rock Hill Utilities. 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 Rock Hill to Other South Carolina Cities

Charleston

80 PPM · Moderately Hard

Columbia

48 PPM · Slightly Hard

Greenville

30 PPM · Slightly Hard

North Charleston

47 PPM · Slightly Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Rock Hill Water

Is Rock Hill tap water safe to drink?
Rock Hill'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 Rock Hill?
Probably not. At 44 PPM, Rock Hill's water is on the softer end. Most homes will not experience noticeable scale buildup. That said, if you have high-end fixtures, a glass shower enclosure, or a tankless water heater, even mild hardness can leave mineral deposits over time. A salt-free conditioner is a low-cost insurance policy in that case.
What water filter is best for Rock Hill?
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 Rock Hill's water come from?
Rock Hill's drinking water is sourced from Catawba River and treated by City of Rock Hill Utilities. Rock Hill draws from the Catawba River. Piedmont geology produces naturally soft water.
What is the hardness of Rock Hill water in grains per gallon?
Rock Hill's water hardness is 2.6 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 44 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as slightly hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Rock Hill water damage tankless water heaters?
At 2.6 GPG, Rock Hill'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 Rock Hill water safe for babies and infants?
Rock Hill'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 City of Rock Hill Utilities Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.