Irmo Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.7 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
193.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.26
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 Irmo, your appliances are currently losing 13% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Irmo | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.4 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -25% |
| Washing Machine | 10 yrs | 12 yrs | -17% |
| Water Heater | 11.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -22% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Irmo compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Irmo, South Carolina | 97 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Seven Oaks, South Carolina | 74.5 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Saint Andrews, South Carolina | 110 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Oak Grove, South Carolina | 63 mg/L | 3.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Lexington, South Carolina | 72.5 mg/L | 4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Irmo compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Irmo | 97 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Irmo's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Irmo, South Carolina, in Lexington County — a Lexington County town adjacent to Columbia and Chapin on the shore of Lake Murray in central South Carolina — receives its water from the Lexington Water System (LWS), drawing from Lake Murray — a large reservoir impounded on the Saluda River — through the central South Carolina distribution.
The moderately soft 97 mg/L hardness and TDS of 193.5 mg/L reflect the Lexington County Lake Murray supply's soft calcareous character — the Saluda watershed drains Precambrian Carolina Terrane gneiss (insoluble metamorphic rock) with minor contributions from Cambrian Ninety Six Formation calcareous sediments, producing the typically soft-to-moderate water of South Carolina Piedmont reservoirs (compare Chapin SC: 94/188 in Lexington County comparable; West Columbia SC: 99/198 in Lexington County comparable; Irmo consistent moderate from the same Lexington County Lake Murray Precambrian-Cambrian supply). The Saluda watershed at Lexington County — Precambrian Carolina Terrane gneiss (insoluble — dilutant), Cambrian Ninety Six Formation (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Quaternary Piedmont alluvium (calcareous — minor TDS).
At 97 mg/L with TDS 194, Irmo's water is moderately soft — appliances last well with standard maintenance. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.4 ppt is moderate — a certified drinking water filter provides added protection. Review Lexington Water System's annual water quality report for the latest contaminant monitoring data.
Geology & Source: Irmo in Lexington County draws from the Lexington Water System on Lake Murray reservoir (Lexington County, central South Carolina) — the Saluda watershed at Lexington County drains Precambrian Carolina Terrane gneiss (insoluble) and Cambrian Ninety Six Formation (slightly calcareous) — South Carolina Lexington County Lake Murray Precambrian-Cambrian supply produces moderately soft water at 97 mg/L with TDS 193.5 mg/L.