Leland Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Brunswick Regional Water and Sewer H2GO serves over 15,000 residents in Leland, North Carolina, within Brunswick County along the coast between Wilmington and the Cape Fear River. The primary source is groundwater from the Black Creek Aquifer, treated at the Aquifer-Sourced Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Treatment Plant—the only such facility in North Carolina—which processes water to high purity standards before distribution.

The Black Creek Aquifer, part of the Upper Cape Fear Aquifer System, draws from surficial sands in the Cape Fear River basin, interacting with unconsolidated Tertiary and Quaternary sediments including the Yorktown Formation's shell hash and sands and the Miocene Pungo River Formation over older Cretaceous deposits. These silica-rich, low-carbonate layers contribute minimal calcium and magnesium, yielding naturally soft water. The RO process further strips remaining ions, resulting in consistently soft, low-mineralized water with a pH of 7.4 to 7.8 and alkalinity around 75 mg/L.

Soft water minimizes scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, and appliances, reducing maintenance needs and extending equipment life. Dishwashers and washing machines benefit from efficient operation and lower detergent use; no softening is needed or recommended, as the water is already naturally soft post-treatment. Despite advanced RO treatment, tests reveal 10 contaminants exceeding health guidelines, including 1,4-Dioxane, PFOA, bromodichloromethane, chloroform, and hexavalent chromium; the utility provides annual Consumer Confidence Reports and 2026 PFAS test results, with lead/copper compliance maintained via standard corrosion control.