Aiken Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

AIKEN CITY OF (PWS ID 0210001), also associated with Montmorenci Coughton Water & Sewer District, serves 45,090 people in Aiken County, South Carolina. Water is sourced entirely from groundwater aquifers treated via disinfection using hypochlorite. There is no surface watershed component, as the supply is fully groundwater-based from Cretaceous and Tertiary sedimentary formations beneath the coastal plain.

The geology involves Cretaceous and Tertiary sedimentary formations in South Carolina's coastal plain, including the Black Creek and Middendorf aquifers within the Southeastern Coastal Plain aquifer system. These feature sands, clays, and localized limestone layers from the Tuscaloosa Group and overlying units. The presence of carbonate minerals — calcite and dolomite — in these layers contributes to a hard supply through limestone dissolution, resulting in moderately mineralized water with elevated natural ions from prolonged aquifer contact.

At this hard level, scale buildup occurs on fixtures and reduces efficiency in water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, leaving spots on glassware and shortening appliance life. Regular maintenance — vinegar descaling, scale-inhibiting filters, or annual professional servicing — helps protect heating elements and pipes prone to calcium deposits. A water softener is recommended for households noticing soap scum, dry skin, or appliance issues. Water quality testing indicates all contaminants are within safe EPA levels, though past reports noted 6 contaminants above health guidelines; notable concerns include chromium-6 and radioactive radium above health guidelines. Treatment consists of disinfection with hypochlorite.