Payson Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
17.2 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
760.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.79
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 Payson, your appliances are currently losing 39% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Payson | 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 Payson compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Payson, Arizona | 294.5 mg/L | 4.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Fountain Hills, Arizona | 266.5 mg/L | 3.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Apache Junction, Arizona | 379 mg/L | 5.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| New River, Arizona | 393.5 mg/L | 5.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Anthem, Arizona | 374.5 mg/L | 5.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Payson compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Payson | 294.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Payson's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Payson, Arizona, in Gila County — a Gila County city adjacent to Star Valley and Pine on the Mogollon Rim in central Arizona — receives its municipal water from the Payson Water Division, drawing from the East Verde River and local groundwater (Gila County) through the central Arizona water treatment system.
The extremely hard 294.5 mg/L hardness and high TDS of 760.1 mg/L reflect the central Arizona Mogollon Rim supply's intensely calcareous and evaporitic character — the Verde headwaters cross some of Arizona's most calcareous Permian and Devonian formations. The East Verde River at Gila County drains the Mogollon Rim — Permian Kaibab Limestone (highly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Devonian Martin Formation (dolomite — calcareous-evaporitic, dominant TDS contributor), Mississippian Redwall Limestone (calcareous), and Permian Coconino Sandstone (slightly calcareous). The Permian Kaibab and Devonian Martin evaporitic dolomite dissolution produces the extreme central Arizona supply.
At 294.5 mg/L with TDS 760, Payson's water is extremely hard. A water softener and reverse osmosis system are essential. Scale forms almost immediately on all surfaces, appliances fail rapidly without treatment, and drinking water filtration is critical. The PFAS level of 4.1 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Gila County central Arizona wilderness corridor has limited major AFFF military PFAS sources, and the Mogollon Rim rural setting produces relatively low PFAS readings despite the extreme hardness.
Geology & Source: Payson in Gila County draws from the Payson Water Division on East Verde River sources and local groundwater (Gila County, central Arizona) — the Verde drainage crosses the Mogollon Rim (Permian Kaibab Limestone, Devonian Martin Formation dolomite — highly calcareous-evaporitic) — Arizona Gila County Verde Mogollon Rim calcareous-evaporitic watershed produces extremely hard water at 294.5 mg/L with TDS 760.1 mg/L.