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Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority (GSWSA) draws primarily from the Waccamaw River and local aquifers, treating it with chlorine and chloramine before it reaches your tap. While the water meets federal standards, "meeting standards" simply means regulated contaminants stay below their legal limits — not that your water is free of health concerns.
ClearFlow's trained water specialists perform an in-home test covering common concerns for this area — including hardness, chlorine and chloramine, iron, and total dissolved solids — and provide a written report of your results at no charge, with no obligation to purchase.
- Free in-home test — no obligation to purchase
- On-site testing and results
- Written report of your results
- Recommendations based on your results
- Serving Horry & Georgetown Counties
Myrtle Beach Water Quality Summary
- Water Source
- Intracoastal Waterway, fed by the Waccamaw and Pee Dee rivers (GSWSA Myrtle Beach plant)
- Primary Concerns
- TTHMs, HAAs, Hardness, PFAS
- Water Hardness
- Soft on city water (about 54 mg/L, roughly 3 GPG); wells vary
- Utility
- Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority
- Service Area
- Horry & Georgetown Counties
- Last EPA Report
- 2024 Consumer Confidence Report
How hard is Myrtle Beach water?
Where we test
Also serving the Upstate: Greenville and Spartanburg
Understanding Myrtle Beach's Water Supply
The Grand Strand sits at a unique geographic crossroads — coastal Atlantic shoreline to the east, the Waccamaw River and its associated wetlands to the west, and an expanding suburban corridor pushing further inland every year. GSWSA is one of the largest water utilities in South Carolina, serving over 230,000 people and managing a complex blend of surface water and groundwater sources. This complexity creates distinct water quality challenges that vary significantly depending on whether you live in a municipal area, a golf course community, or a rural property on well water.
Surface water drawn from the Waccamaw River carries high levels of natural organic matter — tannins, humic acids, and other compounds from the surrounding wetlands and blackwater streams. When GSWSA treats this water with chlorine or chloramine, those organic compounds react to form disinfection byproducts (DBPs). The two most regulated classes — total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) — are regulated by the EPA and are commonly detected in surface-water systems of this type. GSWSA publishes its measured levels each year in its Consumer Confidence Report.
For homeowners on private well water — particularly in Conway, Loris, and the rural edges of Horry County — the concerns are different. Coastal plain geology means shallow aquifers are susceptible to iron, manganese, tannins, and bacterial contamination. Iron concentrations above 0.3 mg/L (the EPA secondary standard) leave orange staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Manganese above the 0.05 mg/L secondary standard creates black buildup in pipes, and the EPA maintains a separate 0.3 mg/L health advisory for manganese. Without a well water test, there's no way to know your actual levels.
Development across the region has also raised attention to PFAS. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — known as "forever chemicals" — have been detected in water sources across the Carolinas and are associated with firefighting foam use, industrial facilities, and legacy manufacturing. The EPA has established federal drinking water standards for certain PFAS compounds and identifies activated carbon and reverse osmosis among the treatment technologies for them.
Myrtle Beach Water Quality Challenges
The Grand Strand's water comes primarily from the Waccamaw River and local aquifers. Here's what Myrtle Beach homeowners should know about each specific concern.
Disinfection Byproducts (TTHMs & HAAs)
GSWSA uses chlorine and chloramine to treat water. These disinfectants react with natural organic matter from the Waccamaw watershed to form trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which the EPA regulates with maximum contaminant levels due to health concerns from long-term exposure. Activated carbon filtration is the technology commonly used to address these compounds.
PFAS 'Forever Chemicals'
PFAS have been detected in water sources across the Carolinas, and the EPA has set federal drinking water standards for certain PFAS compounds. Activated carbon and reverse osmosis are among the treatment technologies the EPA identifies for PFAS. ClearFlow can discuss appropriate options based on your test results.
Hard Water Scale
Myrtle Beach city water is reported by the City of Myrtle Beach at about 54 mg/L on GSWSA water, which is classified as soft; private wells vary, and wells in the area pick up calcium and magnesium from the ground. Hard water is associated with scale deposits on fixtures and in water-heating appliances, spotting on dishes, and soap that won't lather. A properly sized water softener addresses the minerals responsible.
Saltwater Intrusion
Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean creates ongoing risk of saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers, especially during drought periods or heavy groundwater pumping. Elevated sodium, chloride, and total dissolved solids (TDS) in well water indicate intrusion has occurred. Sodium-elevated water is a particular concern for people on low-sodium diets or with cardiovascular conditions.
Iron & Manganese in Well Water
Homes on well water throughout Horry County — particularly in Conway, Loris, and rural Socastee — commonly report iron and manganese. Iron above the EPA secondary standard of 0.3 mg/L causes reddish-orange staining, and manganese causes black sediment; the EPA has a 0.3 mg/L health advisory for manganese. Both are addressed with filtration or oxidation systems.
Nitrates & Agricultural Runoff
Agricultural land in the Waccamaw River watershed can introduce nitrates from fertilizer runoff. The EPA sets a maximum contaminant level of 10 mg/L for nitrates, largely because of risks to infants under six months. Legacy industrial and commercial sites can also contribute compounds that migrate into groundwater.
What ClearFlow Tests For in Myrtle Beach
Our trained Myrtle Beach water specialists use professional testing equipment to evaluate your home's water on-site. You get your results during the visit and we walk you through every finding in plain language. Our Grand Strand panel reflects the water quality concerns most commonly reported in Horry County — both municipal and well.
- Total Hardness (GPG)
- Iron & Manganese
- pH & Alkalinity
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
- Chlorine & Chloramine
- TTHMs & HAAs
- PFAS Screening
- Lead & Copper
- Nitrates & Nitrites
- Hydrogen Sulfide
- Bacteria (Coliform)
- Tannins
Why Choose ClearFlow in Myrtle Beach?
ClearFlow is not a national call center that dispatches unknown contractors. We are a locally operated water treatment company with specialists who live and work on the Grand Strand. We understand GSWSA's treatment process, the geology of Horry County's aquifers, and the specific water quality patterns of each neighborhood — from Carolina Forest to Pawleys Island.
Our business model is built on transparency. We provide your test results whether or not you choose to purchase any treatment system, we explain what each reading means, and we base our recommendations on what your results show.
Warranty and guarantee terms for any system we install are provided in writing before purchase, and ongoing support comes from your local technician.
Areas We Serve Near Myrtle Beach
- North Myrtle Beach
- Surfside Beach
- Garden City
- Pawleys Island
- Murrells Inlet
- Conway
- Loris
- Socastee
- Carolina Forest
Services in Myrtle Beach
- Water Softeners in Myrtle Beach
- Whole-House Water Filtration in Myrtle Beach
- Reverse Osmosis in Myrtle Beach
- Well Water Treatment in Myrtle Beach
Related guides
- Myrtle Beach, SC Water Quality Report
- Myrtle Beach Water Quality in 2024: What GSWSA's Report Really Shows
- Water Softener Cost in Myrtle Beach, SC
- Well Water Testing SC & NC
Frequently asked questions
Is Myrtle Beach tap water safe to drink?
Myrtle Beach tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards, but 'meeting standards' doesn't mean contaminant-free. Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority regularly detects regulated levels of disinfection byproducts (DBPs), chlorine, and occasionally PFAS. A free in-home test reveals what's actually in your water at the tap.
What contaminants are common in Myrtle Beach water?
The most common concerns in Myrtle Beach municipal water include total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), chlorine and chloramine residuals, hardness minerals, and trace levels of PFAS from industrial and military sources in the region.
Does Myrtle Beach have hard water?
Not usually on city water. The City of Myrtle Beach reports that its treated water, supplied by the Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority, averages about 54 mg/L of hardness, which is classified as soft. Private wells can test much harder, so an in-home test is the way to know your actual level.
How much does a water softener cost in Myrtle Beach?
Cost depends on your home size, water hardness, and the system selected. ClearFlow provides free in-home water testing and a written quote specific to your home before any commitment.
What is the difference between a water softener and a whole-house filter in Myrtle Beach?
A water softener targets hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) using ion exchange, preventing scale buildup. A whole-house carbon filter removes chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, and taste/odor issues. Many Myrtle Beach homes benefit from both — our free test tells you exactly which treatment your water needs.
How do I get a free water test in Myrtle Beach?
Book online at clearflowsc.com or call (843) 742-1196. A trained ClearFlow specialist will come to your home, test your water on-site, and provide a written report of the results at no charge.
What are the signs of hard water in a coastal SC home?
Common signs include white crusty mineral deposits on faucets and showerheads, spots on dishes and glassware after washing, soap that won't lather well, dry or itchy skin after bathing, and dull-looking hair. In coastal Myrtle Beach homes, these symptoms often show up alongside scale buildup inside water heaters and other appliances. A free in-home test measures your exact hardness level so you know whether a softener is the right fit.