Savannah Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The City of Savannah Water Supply and Treatment Department operates the Savannah Main System, serving a population of 130,865 in Chatham County, Georgia. The utility draws from two primary sources: the Floridan Aquifer (approximately 71.5% of supply) and Abercorn Creek, a tributary of the Savannah River in Effingham County (28.5% of supply). In 2023, the system supplied 5.5 billion gallons of groundwater and 1.4 billion gallons of surface water. The blending strategy was implemented to meet demand while protecting the aquifer from saltwater intrusion along this coastal region, with treatment including conventional filtration and disinfection in compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

The Floridan Aquifer is a Tertiary-age carbonate formation composed primarily of limestone and dolomite. As water percolates through these carbonate layers, it dissolves calcium and magnesium minerals, producing hard water characteristic of the southeastern coastal plain. Abercorn Creek drains through similar Cretaceous and Tertiary sedimentary formations of the Coastal Plain. The combination of groundwater from the carbonate aquifer and surface water from the creek creates a hard supply dominated by carbonate hydrogeology, with saltwater intrusion concerns addressed through the managed blend ratio.

At the hard water classification level, Savannah residents experience scale buildup in water heaters, kettles, dishwashers, and washing machines, with reduced soap and detergent efficiency requiring higher product doses. Regular descaling and use of chelating agents help mitigate accumulation; a water softener — point-of-use or whole-house — is recommended for high-use applications to extend appliance life. The Savannah Main System performed over 143,000 tests on more than 160 water quality parameters in 2023, confirming compliance with all state and federal standards, with active monitoring for PFAS and regular lead and copper compliance testing ongoing.