Free Water Testing in
Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach's explosive growth — from a small seaside resort to one of the fastest-growing metros on the East Coast — has put increasing pressure on the Grand Strand's water infrastructure. 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.
Myrtle Beach Water Quality Summary
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
Water in the Myrtle Beach area is commonly reported in the moderate-to-hard range as groundwater picks up calcium and magnesium from mineral-rich geology. 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.
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
Myrtle Beach Water Testing — FAQ
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