Camden Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
13 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
552.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.59
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 Camden, your appliances are currently losing 30% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Camden | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 2.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -73% |
| Washing Machine | 5.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -55% |
| Water Heater | 6.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -55% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Camden compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Camden, Arkansas | 222 mg/L | 5.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| El Dorado, Arkansas | 258.5 mg/L | 6.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Magnolia, Arkansas | 61.5 mg/L | 2.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Arkadelphia, Arkansas | 59 mg/L | 2.7 ppt | 🟢 Soft | river |
| Malvern, Arkansas | 67 mg/L | 2.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Camden compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Camden | 222 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Camden's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Camden, Arkansas, in Ouachita County — the Ouachita County seat adjacent to Chidester and Smackover on the Ouachita River in south Arkansas — receives its water from the City of Camden Water Department, drawing from the Ouachita River through the south Arkansas distribution.
The very hard 222 mg/L hardness and high TDS of 552.3 mg/L reflect the Ouachita County Ouachita River supply's hard calcareous character — the Cretaceous Tokio Formation is slightly calcareous marine sandstone, while the Mississippian Stanley Shale and Arkansas Novaculite contribute dissolved mineral content from the Ouachita Mountains upstream, and the semi-arid south Arkansas climate concentrates dissolved solids in the Ouachita River (compare Chidester AR: 216/537 in Ouachita County comparable; Smackover AR: 228/567 in Ouachita County comparable; Camden consistent very hard from the same Ouachita County Ouachita River Cretaceous-Mississippian calcareous supply). The Ouachita watershed at Arkansas — Cretaceous Tokio Formation (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Mississippian Stanley Shale (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Ouachita alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 222 mg/L with TDS 552, Camden's water is very hard — a water softener is strongly recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.9 ppt is moderate — a certified drinking water filter provides added protection. Review the City of Camden's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Camden in Ouachita County draws from the Camden Water on the Ouachita River (Ouachita County, south Arkansas) — the Ouachita River at Arkansas drains Cretaceous Tokio Formation (slightly calcareous) and Mississippian Stanley Shale (calcareous) — Arkansas Ouachita County Ouachita River Cretaceous-Mississippian calcareous supply produces very hard water at 222 mg/L with TDS 552.3 mg/L.