Augusta Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Augusta Utilities Department serves over 200,000 residents in Richmond County, Georgia. Primary sources include the Savannah River, drawn at the Highland Avenue Water Treatment Facility via the Historic Augusta Canal Pumping Station to reservoirs holding 125 million gallons, and the Max Hicks Plant providing 15 million gallons daily to South Richmond County from the same river. Groundwater is sourced from wells in the Cretaceous Aquifer in south Augusta. Combined facilities treat about 15.5 billion gallons annually.

The Savannah River Basin supplies surface water influenced by upstream Cretaceous-era sedimentary rocks rich in carbonates. The Cretaceous Aquifer provides the groundwater component, recharged through permeable layers of sand and limestone formations. This geology imparts a moderately mineralised character to the mixed supply, with dissolved minerals from rock-water interactions elevating total dissolved solids above state and national medians, contributing to its hard nature without compromising basic potability.

Moderately hard water promotes limescale buildup in pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, reducing efficiency and increasing energy costs. Kettles and fixtures show white deposits, and laundry may feel stiff. Regular vinegar descaling, low-flow aerators, and scale-inhibiting filters help mitigate effects; a water softener is recommended for households. Treatment at Augusta facilities involves aeration, lime for pH adjustment, fluoride addition, chlorine disinfection, polymer corrosion control, multi-media filtration (anthracite, gravel, sand), and granular activated carbon. Water meets EPA and Georgia EPD standards, though 7 contaminants including chromium-6 and radium exceed independent health thresholds; chlorate was detected at 0.1073 mg/L and turbidity is controlled to 0.14 NTU maximum.