Sylacauga Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.2 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
172.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.24
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 Sylacauga, your appliances are currently losing 12% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Sylacauga | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -21% |
| Washing Machine | 10.3 yrs | 12 yrs | -14% |
| Water Heater | 12 yrs | 15 yrs | -20% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Sylacauga compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Sylacauga, Alabama | 89 mg/L | 5.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Talladega, Alabama | 96 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Alexander City, Alabama | 43 mg/L | 3.4 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Pell City, Alabama | 103 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Moody, Alabama | 69 mg/L | 4.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Sylacauga compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Sylacauga | 89 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Sylacauga's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Sylacauga, Alabama, in Talladega County — the Talladega County seat adjacent to Anniston and Talladega on the Coosa River in east-central Alabama — receives its water from the City of Sylacauga Water, drawing from Logan Martin Lake or the Coosa River (Talladega County) through the east-central Alabama distribution.
The moderately soft 89 mg/L hardness and TDS of 172.2 mg/L reflect the east-central Alabama Talladega County Coosa River supply's moderate dolomitic character — the Ordovician Knox Dolomite and Cambrian Shady Dolomite contribute moderate dolomitic hardness, typical of the Alabama Ridge and Valley communities drawing from the Coosa River system (compare Grovetown GA: 102.5/206 on the Georgia Piedmont; Sylacauga comparable on the Alabama Ridge and Valley Coosa draw). The Coosa River at Talladega County — Ordovician Knox Dolomite (dolomitic — primary hardness contributor), Cambrian Shady Dolomite (dolomitic — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Coosa alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 89 mg/L, Sylacauga's water is moderately soft — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and no softening is needed. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.1 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Talladega County east-central Alabama industrial corridor contribute to Sylacauga's readings.
Geology & Source: Sylacauga in Talladega County draws from the City of Sylacauga Water on Logan Martin Lake or Coosa River (Talladega County, east-central Alabama) — the Coosa River at Talladega County drains the Alabama Ridge and Valley (Ordovician Knox Dolomite — dolomitic) and Cambrian Shady Dolomite (dolomitic) — Alabama Talladega County Coosa River Ordovician-Cambrian dolomitic supply produces moderately soft water at 89 mg/L with TDS 172.2 mg/L.