How does Leeds's water compare to the national average?

The USA national average is 151 mg/L. Leeds (≈ 120–179 mg/L) is 1 mg/L softer than average.

Leeds Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

hard

~120–179 mg/L

Hard

estimated · not lab-verified

Source

groundwater

pH Level

7.6

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.004 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

188.3 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

$0.40

energy & soap waste

Source: See methodology section below · Updated 2026

hard~120–179 mg/LHard · est.

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 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

Appliance	In Leeds	Soft Water City	Efficiency Loss
Kettle	6.8 yrs	8.5 yrs	-20%
Washing Machine	9.6 yrs	12 yrs	-20%
Water Heater	12 yrs	15 yrs	-20%

Regional Water Comparison

How Leeds compares to its nearest neighbours

City	Hardness	PFAS (ppt)	Risk	Source
▶ Leeds, Alabama	≈ 120–179 mg/L	0 ppt	🟠 Hard	groundwater
Moody, Alabama	≈ 120–179 mg/L	4.4 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir
Trussville, Alabama	≈ 120–179 mg/L	0 ppt	🟠 Hard	groundwater
Irondale, Alabama	≈ 120–179 mg/L	135 ppt	🟠 Hard	groundwater
Center Point, Alabama	≈ 120–179 mg/L	6 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir

National Benchmark

How Leeds compares to the USA average

Benchmark	Hardness	Appliance Risk
▶ Leeds	≈ 120–179 mg/L	🟠 Moderate
USA National Avg	151 mg/L	🟠 Moderate
Scarsdale Top Rated	0.02 mg/L	🟢 None

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What Makes Leeds's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: GroundwaterTDS: 188.3 mg/LpH: 7.6

The Leeds Water Works Board supplies about 21,300 people in Leeds, Jefferson County, Alabama, drawing exclusively from groundwater aquifers. Water is treated at their main facility on Thornton Avenue using chlorine disinfection and filtration to meet EPA standards. For service or emergencies, you can reach them at 205-699-5151. The groundwater originates from the upper Cahaba River basin, part of the Appalachian Plateau transitioning to the Coastal Plain.

The region's geology features Paleozoic carbonate formations, including the Knox Dolomite from the Cambrian-Ordovician period, covered by Cretaceous sands and clays. These create productive, confined aquifers. As groundwater flows through the limestone and dolomite bedrock, it dissolves minerals, a process typical of the area's karst hydrology. This long interaction with mineral-rich rock layers results in a stable water supply with a consistent, moderately mineralized chemistry.

Homeowners in Leeds may notice moderate scale buildup in appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, which can reduce their efficiency and lifespan. You might also find faucet aerators and showerheads clogging within a year or two. Laundry might not come out as clean, requiring extra detergent. To manage this, regular descaling of fixtures with vinegar and checking water heaters annually are recommended. Installing a water softener is a good idea if you're dealing with soap scum or dry skin, as it effectively tackles these issues.

Geology & Source: Cambrian-Ordovician Knox Dolomite and Black Creek Formations; carbonate-rich dolomitic limestones impart moderate hardness

Other Alabama Water Reports

Moody

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Trussville

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Irondale

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Center Point

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Report an Issue

Notice an error or missing data? Help us keep this page accurate. If you spot incorrect water hardness, outdated utility info, or missing details, please let us know.

All reports are reviewed by our team. Thank you for supporting data quality!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leeds's water safe to drink?

Yes. Leeds's water meets all federal safety standards. The hardness is ≈ 120–179 mg/L (Hard), which is safe to drink. High hardness affects appliances and taste, but poses no health risk.

Do I need a water softener in Leeds?

At ≈ 120–179 mg/L (Hard), Leeds's water will cause significant limescale on kettles, washing machines, and water heaters. A water softener or descaler is strongly recommended to extend appliance lifespan and reduce energy bills by up to 20%.

How does Leeds compare to the USA average?

The USA national average is 151 mg/L. Leeds (≈ 120–179 mg/L) is 1 mg/L below the national average. The softest major city is Scarsdale at just 0.02 mg/L.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for Leeds is derived from geographic and geological modelling of the surrounding region. No federal monitoring station data was available for this location.

Estimated

Water Hardness

Modelled estimate based on state-level USGS geological survey data for this region. No direct USGS Water Quality Portal measurement was matched to this city — the value reflects a statistical range calibrated to the state's dominant rock types and typical source water characteristics.

Estimated

Estimated from regional geology and source water characteristics. pH is correlated with water hardness and local bedrock — values may differ from utility-reported figures.

Estimated

TDS — Total Dissolved Solids

Estimated using a derived ratio from water hardness and regional conductance profiles. TDS in natural water correlates strongly with total mineral content including hardness ions.

Measured

PFAS — Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

EPA UCMR5 (5th Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 2023–2025) — sum of PFAS compounds detected at the public water system serving this city. A value of 0 indicates the system was sampled with no detection above reporting limits.

Modelled

Lead

Modelled estimate based on the EPA Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile tap-sample methodology. No publicly available per-city lead dataset with sufficient national coverage exists. Values are a conservative baseline derived from city population tier and infrastructure age — all estimates are maintained below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.

Calculated

Appliance Lifespan

Calculated from water hardness using a linear degradation model. Baseline lifespans represent soft-water performance (kettle: 8.5 yrs, washing machine: 12.0 yrs, water heater: 15.0 yrs). Hard water mineral scale progressively reduces operational life in direct proportion to hardness concentration.