Water hardness in Myrtle Beach
3.2 gpg soft
Tap water in Myrtle Beach is soft: 3.2 gpg (54 mg/L · 3 °dH · 5.4 °fH).
Source: City of Myrtle Beach news item citing GSWSA average hardness (2026) · data checked 2026-11-02
Myrtle Beach receives water from the Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority. A city news item cites the authority's average hardness as 54 mg/L as CaCO3, which is soft. Scale buildup is usually light. The source is a news item rather than a full lab report.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.2 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority |
How Myrtle Beach compares
- Tap water in Myrtle Beach is 65 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1204 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 12 % of these cities have softer water.
- In South Carolina it is number 3 of 8 cities; the regional median is 2.6 gpg.
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Myrtle Beach
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 3 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
From each brand's manual for the model family named in the source; your model may differ, so check its manual. All brands and how to change the setting →
FAQ
Is Myrtle Beach water hard or soft?
It is soft: 54 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.2 gpg, 3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Myrtle Beach safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
How many grains per gallon is Myrtle Beach water?
3.2 gpg, equal to 3 °dH, 5.4 °fH or 54 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Myrtle Beach?
For 54 mg/L (3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Myrtle Beach?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: City of Myrtle Beach news item citing GSWSA average hardness (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Myrtle Beach news item citing GSWSA average hardness · Outdated figure? Tell us