Cottonwood Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
22.9 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
1157.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$1.00
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 Cottonwood, your appliances are currently losing 45% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Cottonwood | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -82% |
| Washing Machine | 3 yrs | 12 yrs | -75% |
| Water Heater | 5 yrs | 15 yrs | -67% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Cottonwood compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Cottonwood, Arizona | 392.5 mg/L | 5.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Verde Village, Arizona | 245 mg/L | 3.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Camp Verde, Arizona | 368.5 mg/L | 5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| West Sedona, Arizona | 212.5 mg/L | 3.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Sedona, Arizona | 319.5 mg/L | 4.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Cottonwood compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Cottonwood | 392.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Cottonwood's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Cottonwood, Arizona, in Yavapai County — a Yavapai County city adjacent to Clarkdale and Jerome on the Verde River in the Verde Valley of central Arizona — receives its water from the City of Cottonwood Water system, drawing from the Verde River and supplemental groundwater through the central Arizona Verde Valley distribution.
The extremely hard 392.5 mg/L hardness and very high TDS of 1157.2 mg/L reflect the Yavapai County Verde River supply's extreme calcareous character — the Permian Schnebly Hill Formation and Mississippian Redwall Limestone are among the most calcareous formations in Arizona, and the arid Verde Valley concentrates minerals through evaporation (compare Clarkdale AZ: 388/1148 in Yavapai County comparable; Camp Verde AZ: 396/1166 in Yavapai County comparable; Cottonwood consistent extremely hard from the same Yavapai County Verde River Permian-Mississippian calcareous supply). The Verde River at Yavapai County — Permian Schnebly Hill Formation (highly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Mississippian Redwall Limestone (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Verde Valley alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 392.5 mg/L with TDS 1157, Cottonwood's water is extremely hard — a whole-house water softener is essential, and appliance warranties may be voided without one. A reverse osmosis system is strongly recommended for drinking. The PFAS level of 5.3 ppt is moderate — a certified filter provides added protection. Review the City of Cottonwood's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Cottonwood in Yavapai County draws from the Cottonwood Water on the Verde River (Yavapai County, central Arizona) — the Verde River at Yavapai County drains Permian Schnebly Hill Formation (highly calcareous) and Mississippian Redwall Limestone (calcareous) — Arizona Yavapai County Verde River Permian-Mississippian calcareous supply produces extremely hard water at 392.5 mg/L with TDS 1157.2 mg/L.