Orangeburg Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.3 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
126.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.20
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 Orangeburg, your appliances are currently losing 10% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Orangeburg | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -15% |
| Washing Machine | 10.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -9% |
| Water Heater | 12.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -16% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Orangeburg compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Orangeburg, South Carolina | 74 mg/L | 4.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Cayce, South Carolina | 140.5 mg/L | 7.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Columbia, South Carolina | 98.5 mg/L | 5.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| West Columbia, South Carolina | 75 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Dentsville, South Carolina | 145 mg/L | 8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Orangeburg compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Orangeburg | 74 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
Bring Badger-quality water to your Orangeburg home
Shop water softeners on Amazon.com →
What Makes Orangeburg's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Orangeburg, South Carolina, in Orangeburg County — the Orangeburg County seat adjacent to Santee and Barnwell on the Edisto River in south-central South Carolina — receives its water from the City of Orangeburg Water, drawing from the Edisto River (Orangeburg County) through the south-central South Carolina distribution.
The moderately soft 74 mg/L hardness and TDS of 126.5 mg/L reflect the south-central South Carolina Orangeburg County Coastal Plain supply's soft character — driven by the Cretaceous Black Creek insoluble sands and the Eocene Santee Limestone's limited calcareous dissolution at the Coastal Plain margin, producing the moderately soft water typical of the South Carolina lower Coastal Plain communities. The Edisto watershed at Orangeburg County — Cretaceous Black Creek Formation (insoluble — dilutant), Eocene Santee Limestone (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Quaternary Coastal Plain alluvium (slightly calcareous — secondary contributor).
At 74 mg/L, Orangeburg's water is moderately soft — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and bathroom fixtures need occasional cleaning. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.1 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Orangeburg County south-central South Carolina industrial corridor contribute to Orangeburg's readings.
Geology & Source: Orangeburg in Orangeburg County draws from the City of Orangeburg Water on the Edisto River (Orangeburg County, south-central South Carolina) — the Edisto watershed drains the South Carolina Coastal Plain (Cretaceous Black Creek Formation — insoluble) and Eocene Santee Limestone (slightly calcareous) — South Carolina Orangeburg County Edisto River Cretaceous-Eocene calcareous supply produces moderately soft water at 74 mg/L with TDS 126.5 mg/L.