Jacksonville Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.5 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
188.4 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.25
energy & soap waste
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Jacksonville, your appliances are currently losing 13% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Jacksonville | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -24% |
| Washing Machine | 10.1 yrs | 12 yrs | -16% |
| Water Heater | 11.8 yrs | 15 yrs | -21% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Jacksonville compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Jacksonville, Alabama | 95 mg/L | 5.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Saks, Alabama | 126 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Anniston, Alabama | 63.5 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Oxford, Alabama | 64 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Gadsden, Alabama | 50.5 mg/L | 3.7 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Jacksonville compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Jacksonville | 95 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Jacksonville's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Jacksonville, Alabama, in Calhoun County — a Calhoun County city adjacent to Anniston and Gadsden on Neely Henry Lake in northeast Alabama — receives its water from the Jacksonville Water Works, drawing from Neely Henry Lake or the Coosa River (Calhoun County) through the northeast Alabama distribution.
The soft 95 mg/L hardness and TDS of 188.4 mg/L reflect the northeast Alabama Calhoun County Coosa supply's soft dolomitic character — the Ordovician Knox Dolomite and Cambrian Conasauga Formation produce soft water throughout the Alabama Valley and Ridge Coosa communities (compare Irondale AL: 77/142 in Jefferson County softer on the Cahaba supply; Sylacauga AL: 89/172 in Talladega County comparable; Jacksonville slightly harder from the Calhoun County Conasauga calcareous contact). The Coosa River at Calhoun County — Ordovician Knox Dolomite (dolomitic — primary hardness contributor), Cambrian Conasauga Formation (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Coosa alluvium (calcareous — minor TDS).
At 95 mg/L, Jacksonville's water is soft — scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and no softening is needed. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.3 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Calhoun County northeast Alabama industrial corridor contribute to Jacksonville's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Jacksonville in Calhoun County is served by Jacksonville Water Works drawing from Neely Henry Lake — the Coosa River watershed drains Ordovician Knox Dolomite (dolomitic) and Cambrian Conasauga Formation (calcareous) — AL Calhoun County Coosa River Ordovician dolomitic supply produces soft water at 95 mg/L with TDS 188.4 mg/L.