Palatka Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
9.5 grains per gallon
Source
groundwater
pH Level
8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
425.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.43
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 Palatka, your appliances are currently losing 22% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Palatka | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -49% |
| Washing Machine | 7.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -37% |
| Water Heater | 9.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -39% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Palatka compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Palatka, Florida | 162 mg/L | 7.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Saint Augustine, Florida | 246 mg/L | 10.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Palm Coast, Florida | 167.5 mg/L | 7.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| St. Johns, Florida | 136 mg/L | 6.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Fleming Island, Florida | 264 mg/L | 10.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How Palatka compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Palatka | 162 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Palatka's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Palatka, Florida, in Putnam County — the Putnam County seat adjacent to Crescent City and Interlachen on the St. Johns River in northeast Florida — receives its water from the City of Palatka Water Department, drawing from the Floridan Aquifer through the northeast Florida distribution.
The hard 162 mg/L hardness and TDS of 425.5 mg/L reflect the Putnam County supply's hard Floridan Aquifer character — the Eocene Ocala Limestone and Avon Park Formation are highly calcareous formations in the northeast Florida karst platform; the Floridan Aquifer at Putnam County produces consistently hard water with moderate TDS throughout the St. Johns River zone (compare Crescent City FL: 158/415 in Putnam County comparable; Interlachen FL: 165/435 in Putnam County comparable; Palatka consistent hard from the same Putnam County Floridan Aquifer Eocene calcareous supply). The Floridan Aquifer at Putnam County — Eocene Ocala Limestone (highly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Eocene Avon Park Formation (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Northeast Florida sand (insoluble — minimal dilution).
At 162 mg/L with TDS 426, Palatka's water is hard — scale builds in appliances. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 7.7 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter. Review the City of Palatka's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Palatka in Putnam County draws from the Palatka Water on the Floridan Aquifer (Putnam County, northeast Florida) — the northeast Florida karst at Putnam County draws from Eocene Ocala Limestone (highly calcareous) and Eocene Avon Park Formation (calcareous) — Florida Putnam County Floridan Aquifer Eocene calcareous supply produces hard water at 162 mg/L with TDS 425.5 mg/L.