Leeds 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
188.3 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 Leeds, your appliances are currently losing 13% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Leeds | 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 Leeds compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Leeds, Alabama | 95 mg/L | 5.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Moody, Alabama | 69 mg/L | 4.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Trussville, Alabama | 178.5 mg/L | 8.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Irondale, Alabama | 77 mg/L | 4.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Center Point, Alabama | 113 mg/L | 6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Leeds compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Leeds | 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 Leeds's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Leeds, Alabama, in Jefferson County — a Jefferson County city adjacent to Birmingham and Moody in the Shades Creek watershed east of Birmingham — receives its water from the Birmingham Water Works Board, drawing from Lake Purdy reservoir on the Cahaba watershed through the north-central Alabama distribution.
The moderately soft 95 mg/L hardness and TDS of 188.3 mg/L reflect the Jefferson County Cahaba supply's moderate dolomitic character — the Ordovician Knox Dolomite and Cambrian Ketona Dolomite of the Alabama Valley and Ridge Province contribute modest dissolved magnesium and calcium, producing the typical moderate hardness of central Alabama reservoir water (compare Moody AL: 92/184 in Saint Clair County comparable; Birmingham AL: 98/192 in Jefferson County comparable; Leeds consistent moderate from the same Jefferson County Cahaba-Knox Ordovician dolomitic supply). The Cahaba watershed at Jefferson County — Ordovician Knox Dolomite (slightly dolomitic — primary hardness contributor), Cambrian Ketona Dolomite (dolomitic — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Cahaba alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 95 mg/L with TDS 188, Leeds' water is moderately soft — minimal scale buildup and appliances last well. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.3 ppt is moderate — a certified drinking water filter provides added protection. Review Birmingham Water Works' annual water quality report for the latest data.
Geology & Source: Leeds in Jefferson County draws from the Birmingham Water Works on Lake Purdy reservoir (Jefferson County, north-central Alabama) — the Cahaba watershed drains Ordovician Knox Dolomite (slightly dolomitic) and Cambrian Ketona Dolomite (dolomitic) — Alabama Jefferson County Cahaba Ordovician-Cambrian dolomitic supply produces moderately soft water at 95 mg/L with TDS 188.3 mg/L.