Lexington Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.2 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
123.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.19
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 Lexington, your appliances are currently losing 10% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Lexington | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -15% |
| Washing Machine | 10.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -9% |
| Water Heater | 12.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -15% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Lexington compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Lexington, South Carolina | 72.5 mg/L | 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 |
| West Columbia, South Carolina | 75 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Cayce, South Carolina | 140.5 mg/L | 7.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Lexington compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Lexington | 72.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Lexington's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Lexington, South Carolina, in Lexington County — the Lexington County seat in the Columbia metro area west of Columbia, a fast-growing Lexington County community adjacent to Lake Murray — receives its municipal water from the Lexington Water Company or Lexington County Water, which draws from Lake Murray (the Saluda River impoundment — one of the largest reservoirs east of the Mississippi) as the primary supply.
The moderately soft 72.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 123.1 mg/L reflect the Saluda River-Lake Murray watershed's South Carolina Piedmont crystalline geology. The Saluda River drains the South Carolina Blue Ridge and Piedmont — terrain underlain by Precambrian and Cambrian granitoid, gneiss, and the Carolina Slate Belt (Neoproterozoic metavolcanic and metasedimentary rock). These crystalline Piedmont terranes contain minimal carbonate minerals, producing the soft to moderately soft water characteristic of South Carolina Piedmont reservoir systems throughout the Lexington-Columbia corridor.
At 72.5 mg/L, Lexington's water is moderately soft — comfortable for household use. Scale forms slowly over many months, soap lathers well, and appliances operate efficiently. Semi-annual descaling is adequate. The PFAS level of 4.0 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — Shaw Air Force Base (Sumter, SC — an F-16 wing and documented AFFF user in the Wateree River watershed adjacent to the Congaree-Saluda basin), McEntire Joint National Guard Base (Richland County — near the Lake Murray watershed), and the Lexington County industrial corridor contribute to the PFAS background.
Geology & Source: Lexington in Lexington County draws from Lexington Water Company or Lexington County Water treating Lake Murray (Saluda River) — the Saluda River watershed drains the South Carolina Piedmont (Precambrian and Paleozoic granitoid, gneiss, and Carolina Slate Belt) — South Carolina Piedmont crystalline watershed drainage produces moderately soft water at 72.5 mg/L with TDS 123 mg/L in this Lexington County South Carolina city.