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

The USA national average is 151 mg/L. Saks (≈ 0–59 mg/L) is 121 mg/L softer than average.

Saks Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

soft

~0–59 mg/L

Soft

estimated · not lab-verified

Source

reservoir

pH Level

7.9

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.006 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

281 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

$0.08

energy & soap waste

Source: See methodology section below · Updated 2026

soft~0–59 mg/LSoft · 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 Saks, your appliances are currently losing 4% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

Appliance	In Saks	Soft Water City	Efficiency Loss
Kettle	8.2 yrs	8.5 yrs	-4%
Washing Machine	11.5 yrs	12 yrs	-4%
Water Heater	14.4 yrs	15 yrs	-4%

Regional Water Comparison

How Saks compares to its nearest neighbours

City	Hardness	PFAS (ppt)	Risk	Source
▶ Saks, Alabama	≈ 0–59 mg/L	6.4 ppt	🟢 Soft	reservoir
Anniston, Alabama	≈ 120–179 mg/L	0 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir
Oxford, Alabama	≈ 120–179 mg/L	33.3 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir
Jacksonville, Alabama	≈ 120–179 mg/L	0 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir
Gadsden, Alabama	53.2 mg/L	1013.6 ppt	🟢 Soft	reservoir

National Benchmark

How Saks compares to the USA average

Benchmark	Hardness	Appliance Risk
▶ Saks	≈ 0–59 mg/L	🟢 None
USA National Avg	151 mg/L	🟠 Moderate
Scarsdale Top Rated	0.02 mg/L	🟢 None

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What Makes Saks's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: ReservoirTDS: 281 mg/LpH: 7.9

Specific utility information for Saks, Alabama was not available in public sources. Saks is located in Calhoun County and is served by a municipal or regional water system. The service area draws from both surface water sources like rivers and reservoirs, and groundwater aquifers typical of east-central Alabama. Saks lies within the Talladega slate belt region, characterized by Paleozoic metamorphic and sedimentary formations. The area is part of the Coosa River watershed system. Groundwater is sourced from shallow aquifers in metamorphic bedrock and sedimentary strata.

The geology of this region typically produces soft to moderately soft water supplies due to the nature of the underlying rock formations. Saks is located in Calhoun County, Alabama, which lies within the Talladega slate belt and adjacent to Paleozoic sedimentary formations. The region's water supply derives from both surface sources (rivers and reservoirs) and groundwater from shallow aquifers in metamorphic and sedimentary bedrock. The soft to moderately soft character reflects the region's geology.

At the soft to moderately soft hardness level typical of Alabama, most household appliances and plumbing systems experience minimal scaling or buildup. Water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines generally operate efficiently without treatment. A water softener is typically not necessary, though some residents may choose one for personal preference or to extend appliance life in the long term. Residents should consult their local water utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for detailed water quality parameters, treatment processes, and any detected contaminants.

Geology & Source: Talladega slate belt; Paleozoic metamorphic and sedimentary bedrock yield soft to moderately soft water

Other Alabama Water Reports

Anniston

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Oxford

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Jacksonville

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Gadsden

53.2 mg/L

🟢 Soft

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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 Saks's water safe to drink?

Yes. Saks's water meets all federal safety standards. The hardness is ≈ 0–59 mg/L (Soft), which is safe to drink. High hardness affects appliances and taste, but poses no health risk.

Do I need a water softener in Saks?

Saks's water is soft at ≈ 0–59 mg/L. A water softener is generally not necessary, though a carbon filter can improve taste and remove any remaining chlorine.

How does Saks compare to the USA average?

The USA national average is 151 mg/L. Saks (≈ 0–59 mg/L) is 121 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 Saks 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.