Water hardness in North Charleston
3.4 gpg soft
Tap water in North Charleston is soft: 3.4 gpg (58 mg/L · 3.3 °dH · 5.8 °fH).
Source: Charleston Water System FAQ: What is hardness and how hard is Charleston water? (2026) · data checked 2026-10-23
North Charleston is served by Charleston Water System, which treats surface water from the Bushy Park Reservoir and the Edisto River at its Hanahan plant. Coastal Plain river water carries few minerals, so hardness is a low 58.4 mg/L CaCO₃. Scale is minor.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.4 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Charleston Water System (CWS) |
How North Charleston compares
- Tap water in North Charleston is 62 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1187 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 13 % of these cities have softer water.
- In South Carolina it is number 1 of 8 cities; the regional median is 2.6 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Summerville, 26 km away (1.3 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 North Charleston
| 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 North Charleston water hard or soft?
It is soft: 58 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.4 gpg, 3.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in North Charleston 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 North Charleston water?
3.4 gpg, equal to 3.3 °dH, 5.8 °fH or 58 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in North Charleston?
For 58 mg/L (3.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in North Charleston?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Charleston Water System FAQ: What is hardness and how hard is Charleston water? (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Charleston Water System FAQ: What is hardness and how hard is Charleston water? · Outdated figure? Tell us