Gaffney Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
3.3 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
84.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.15
energy & soap waste
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Gaffney, your appliances are currently losing 8% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Gaffney | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -9% |
| Washing Machine | 11.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -4% |
| Water Heater | 13.3 yrs | 15 yrs | -11% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Gaffney compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Gaffney, South Carolina | 56.5 mg/L | 3.2 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Shelby, North Carolina | 151 mg/L | 8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Spartanburg, South Carolina | 143.5 mg/L | 8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Gastonia, North Carolina | 141.5 mg/L | 7.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Greer, South Carolina | 100.5 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Gaffney compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Gaffney | 56.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Gaffney's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Gaffney, South Carolina, in Cherokee County — the Cherokee County seat adjacent to Spartanburg and Boiling Springs on the Broad River in north-central South Carolina — receives its water from the City of Gaffney Water, drawing from the Broad River or Goucher Reservoir (Cherokee County) through the north-central South Carolina distribution.
The soft 56.5 mg/L hardness and low TDS of 84.9 mg/L reflect the north-central South Carolina Cherokee County Blue Ridge supply's soft character — the Precambrian Gaffney Gneiss and Cambrian Ocoee Supergroup contribute insoluble dilution with minimal calcareous contact, typical of the South Carolina Piedmont-Blue Ridge transition communities (compare Sylacauga AL: 89/172 on the Alabama Ridge and Valley harder; Gaffney softer from the South Carolina Blue Ridge insoluble gneiss supply). The Broad River at Cherokee County — Precambrian Gaffney Gneiss (insoluble — primary dilutant), Cambrian Ocoee Supergroup (insoluble — secondary dilutant), and Quaternary Piedmont alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 56.5 mg/L, Gaffney's water is soft — scale forms very slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and no softening is needed. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 3.2 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Cherokee County north-central South Carolina industrial corridor contribute to Gaffney's readings.
Geology & Source: Gaffney in Cherokee County draws from the City of Gaffney Water on the Broad River or Goucher Reservoir (Cherokee County, north-central South Carolina) — the Broad River at Cherokee County drains the South Carolina Blue Ridge (Precambrian Gaffney Gneiss — insoluble) and Cambrian Ocoee Supergroup (insoluble) — South Carolina Cherokee County Broad River Precambrian-Cambrian insoluble Blue Ridge supply produces soft water at 56.5 mg/L with TDS 84.9 mg/L.