Citrus Ridge Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.5 grains per gallon
Source
groundwater
pH Level
7.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
173.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.21
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 Citrus Ridge, your appliances are currently losing 10% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Citrus Ridge | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -18% |
| Washing Machine | 10.7 yrs | 12 yrs | -11% |
| Water Heater | 12.5 yrs | 15 yrs | -17% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Citrus Ridge compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Citrus Ridge, Florida | 77.5 mg/L | 5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | groundwater |
| Four Corners, Florida | 273.5 mg/L | 11.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Horizon West, Florida | 140.5 mg/L | 7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Lake Butler, Florida | 307 mg/L | 12.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Haines City, Florida | 229 mg/L | 9.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How Citrus Ridge compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Citrus Ridge | 77.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Citrus Ridge's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Citrus Ridge, Florida, in Polk County — a Polk County community adjacent to Davenport and Haines City in central Florida — receives its water from Polk County Utilities, drawing from the Floridan Aquifer (Polk County) through the central Florida distribution.
The moderately soft 77.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 173.3 mg/L reflect the central Florida Polk County Floridan Aquifer supply's relatively soft character — somewhat softer than many Florida Floridan communities (compare Bellair-Meadowbrook FL: 290.5 mg/L; Palmetto FL: 177 mg/L) because Polk County's upper Floridan draw is in the shallower and less-concentrated Eocene Avon Park zone rather than the deeper highly calcareous zone. The Floridan Aquifer at Polk County — Eocene Avon Park Limestone (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Eocene Ocala Limestone (slightly calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary surficial sand aquifer (insoluble — dilutant).
At 77.5 mg/L, Citrus Ridge'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 5.0 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Polk County central Florida agricultural-industrial corridor contribute to Citrus Ridge's readings.
Geology & Source: Citrus Ridge in Polk County draws from the Polk County Utilities on the Floridan Aquifer (Polk County, central Florida) — the Floridan Aquifer at Polk County is developed in Eocene Avon Park Limestone (slightly calcareous) and Eocene Ocala Limestone (slightly calcareous) — Florida Polk County Floridan Aquifer Eocene-Oligocene calcareous aquifer produces moderately soft water at 77.5 mg/L with TDS 173.3 mg/L.