Hanahan Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.9 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.006 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
266.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.32
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 Hanahan, your appliances are currently losing 16% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Hanahan | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -33% |
| Washing Machine | 9.2 yrs | 12 yrs | -23% |
| Water Heater | 10.9 yrs | 15 yrs | -27% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Hanahan compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Hanahan, South Carolina | 118.5 mg/L | 6.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Goose Creek, South Carolina | 83.5 mg/L | 4.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| North Charleston, South Carolina | 142 mg/L | 7.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Ladson, South Carolina | 144 mg/L | 7.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Charleston, South Carolina | 60 mg/L | 3.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Hanahan compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Hanahan | 118.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Hanahan's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Hanahan, South Carolina, in Berkeley County — a Berkeley County city adjacent to North Charleston and Goose Creek in the north Charleston metro — receives its municipal water from the Charleston Water System (CWS), drawing from Lake Moultrie (Santee-Cooper system, Berkeley County) through the CWS treatment plant.
The moderately hard 118.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 266.5 mg/L reflect the Santee-Cooper supply's mixed Piedmont-Coastal Plain character. Lake Moultrie receives Santee River drainage (from the South Carolina Piedmont — insoluble Carolina Terrane granite and gneiss) blended with Cooper River drainage (coastal plain calcareous contributions from Cretaceous Black Creek Formation and Eocene Santee Limestone). The moderate hardness results from this Piedmont-coastal blend.
At 118.5 mg/L, Hanahan's water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need periodic cleaning. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 6.5 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — Joint Base Charleston (Berkeley County — major Air Force-Navy AFFF user in the Cooper River watershed), the North Charleston industrial corridor, and the South Carolina Lowcountry PFAS background contribute to Hanahan's readings.
Geology & Source: Hanahan in Berkeley County draws from the Charleston Water System on Lake Moultrie (Santee-Cooper system, Berkeley County) — Lake Moultrie receives Santee River drainage from the South Carolina Piedmont (Precambrian Carolina Terrane granite-gneiss, Cretaceous coastal plain calcareous) — South Carolina Santee-Cooper Piedmont-Cretaceous watershed produces moderately hard water at 118.5 mg/L with TDS 266.5 mg/L in this Berkeley County South Carolina city.