Helena-West Helena Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.9 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
145.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.23
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 Helena-West Helena, your appliances are currently losing 11% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Helena-West Helena | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -20% |
| Washing Machine | 10.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -13% |
| Water Heater | 12.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -19% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Helena-West Helena compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Helena-West Helena, Arkansas | 84.5 mg/L | 3.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Clarksdale, Mississippi | 165.5 mg/L | 7.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Forrest City, Arkansas | 176.5 mg/L | 5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Hernando, Mississippi | 161 mg/L | 7.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Horn Lake, Mississippi | 68.5 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How Helena-West Helena compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Helena-West Helena | 84.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Helena-West Helena's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, in Phillips County — the Phillips County seat adjacent to Elaine and Marvell on the Mississippi River in east Arkansas — receives its water from the City of Helena-West Helena Water Department, drawing from the Mississippi River through the east Arkansas distribution.
The soft 84.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 145.5 mg/L reflect the Phillips County Mississippi River supply's soft Embayment character — the Quaternary Mississippi Embayment alluvium and Holocene Mississippi Delta sediment contain only slightly calcareous clays and silts, and the vast volume of the Mississippi River dilutes mineral content from its diverse drainage (compare Elaine AR: 82/140 in Phillips County comparable; Marvell AR: 86/150 in Phillips County comparable; Helena-West Helena consistent soft from the same Phillips County Mississippi River Quaternary alluvial supply). The Mississippi watershed at Phillips County — Quaternary Mississippi Embayment alluvium (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Holocene Mississippi Delta sediment (slightly calcareous — secondary contributor), and Holocene Mississippi River alluvium (insoluble — minor dilutant).
At 84.5 mg/L with TDS 146, Helena-West Helena's water is soft — minimal scale buildup. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 3.2 ppt is low — a clean result for the Arkansas Delta. Review the City of Helena-West Helena's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Helena-West Helena in Phillips County draws from the Helena Water on the Mississippi River (Phillips County, east Arkansas) — the Mississippi at Phillips County drains Quaternary Mississippi Embayment alluvium (slightly calcareous) and Holocene Mississippi Delta sediment (slightly calcareous) — Arkansas Phillips County Mississippi River Quaternary alluvial supply produces soft water at 84.5 mg/L with TDS 145.5 mg/L.