Why does water quality matter?
Water affects nearly every part of daily life — drinking, coffee, ice, cooking, employee wellness, appliances, and even how water tastes and smells. Poor water quality can contain excess minerals, chlorine, contaminants, sediment, or other impurities that impact both taste and overall experience.
Is Charleston tap water safe to drink?
Charleston, SC municipal water meets regulatory safety standards, but many people still choose additional filtration for:
• improved taste
• reduced impurities
• lower TDS
• convenience
• peace of mind
“
Safe” and “optimal” water quality are not always the same thing.
Are microplastics a concern in Charleston water?
Microplastics have become a growing concern worldwide, including in coastal environments like Charleston Harbor and surrounding waterways.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can enter waterways through:
• stormwater runoff
• degraded plastic waste
• synthetic fibers
• industrial and consumer products
Studies have estimated
that nearly seven tons of microscopic plastic particles are present in Charleston Harbor at any given time. While research is still evolving regarding long-term health effects, many people are choosing higher-quality water filtration systems for additional peace of mind.
Why does Charleston water taste or smell different?
Charleston-area water can naturally vary due to:
• seasonal conditions
• algae and organic matter
• treatment processes
• mineral content
• aging infrastructure
• coastal environmental factors
Some residents notice:
• chlorine taste
• earthy odors
• metallic taste
• hard water buildup
What is TDS?
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids. It measures the amount of dissolved substances in water, including:
• minerals
• salts
• metals
• calcium
• magnesium
• other dissolved particles
TDS is measured in parts per million (ppm). Lower TDS generally means purer water.
What is considered good TDS in drinking water?
Typical ranges:
• 0–10 TDS: Extremely pure water
• 10–50 TDS: Very clean, high-quality filtered water
• 50–150 TDS: Common for many municipal water supplies
• 150+ TDS: Higher mineral content and more dissolved solids
Many bottled waters and office water coolers test much higher than people expect.
How pure is water from Hydrate of the Carolinas water dispensers?
Our advanced filtration systems can produce TDS water readings of 10 and below, which is exceptionally pure drinking water.
That means:
• cleaner taste
• fewer dissolved impurities
• excellent water for coffee, tea, and ice
• less buildup in appliances and machines
Can water filtration help reduce contaminants?
Yes. Advanced filtration systems may help reduce:
• sediment
• chlorine
• unwanted tastes and odors
• many dissolved contaminants
• certain microplastics
• impurities commonly found in municipal water
The effectiveness depends on the type of filtration technology used.
Are Borg & Overström water dispensers reliable and high quality?
Yes.
Borg & Overström dispensers are known for their modern design, advanced filtration capabilities, and high-quality performance. They’re especially popular in premium office and commercial environments because they offer hygienic touch-free features on many models and reliable hot, cold, and sparkling water options. Furthermore, Borg & Overström utilizes energy-efficient technology
Are bottleless water dispensers better than 5-gallon water coolers?
Many businesses are switching from traditional 5-gallon jug systems to bottleless dispensers because they offer:
• continuous fresh filtered water
• no heavy lifting or bottle storage
• less plastic waste
• cleaner, more modern appearance
• hot and cold water on demand
• fewer delivery interruptions
• lower long-term costs
• more consistent water quality
Traditional 5-gallon water bottles may also:
• sit in warehouses or trucks for long periods
• be exposed to heat during storage or transport
• contain higher TDS levels than expected
• require frequent handling and sanitation
• be more difficult to fully clean and maintain over time
Traditional top-loading
coolers can also create opportunities for outside air, dust, bacteria, and contaminants to enter the system during bottle changes. Regular cleaning and sanitizing are important but are often overlooked in busy office environments.
Can our office water be tested?
Absolutely. Hydrate of the Carolinas can provide free water quality evaluations and demonstrate TDS readings so customers can better understand what’s in their water and how filtration can improve it.
Contact us to learn more or schedule a free water test in your office.