Palm City Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
9.8 grains per gallon
Source
groundwater
pH Level
8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
444.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.45
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 Palm City, your appliances are currently losing 22% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Palm City | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.1 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -52% |
| Washing Machine | 7.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -38% |
| Water Heater | 8.9 yrs | 15 yrs | -41% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Palm City compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Palm City, Florida | 167.5 mg/L | 7.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Stuart, Florida | 319 mg/L | 12.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Port Saint Lucie, Florida | 72.5 mg/L | 4.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | groundwater |
| Fort Pierce, Florida | 307 mg/L | 12.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Jupiter, Florida | 249.5 mg/L | 10.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How Palm City compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Palm City | 167.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Palm City's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Palm City, Florida, in Martin County in the Stuart metropolitan area on the St. Lucie River near the St. Lucie Inlet to the Atlantic Ocean — a planned residential community on the north shore of the St. Lucie River developed primarily in the 1980s and 1990s — receives its municipal water from Martin County Utilities, which draws from the Upper Floridan Aquifer through production wells in Martin County and operates reverse osmosis treatment to manage the naturally mineralized Floridan supply. Martin County Utilities serves the western and northern portions of the county through a comprehensive distribution network.
The moderately hard 167.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 444.1 mg/L reflect the Upper Floridan Aquifer's characteristic carbonate profile in the Treasure Coast area. The Floridan in Martin County taps the Eocene Avon Park Formation dolomite — an ancient Eocene carbonate deposited in shallow tropical seas — and the overlying Ocala Group limestone, both releasing calcium and magnesium bicarbonate as water slowly circulates through the aquifer. Martin County Utilities' reverse osmosis treatment partially reduces the Floridan's natural hardness before distribution, but the finished water retains a moderate carbonate character.
At 167.5 mg/L, Palm City residents experience moderately hard water consistent with Martin County's treated Floridan Aquifer supply. Scale builds gradually in kettles and appliances over months, the dishwasher benefits from rinse aid, and shower glass develops calcium deposits over time. Quarterly descaling of heating appliances is the standard schedule. The PFAS level of 7.8 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Treasure Coast's proximity to Indian River Lagoon industrial and military influence zones, combined with Floridan Aquifer recharge inputs, contributes to the Martin County PFAS baseline.
Geology & Source: Palm City in Martin County draws from Martin County Utilities tapping the Upper Floridan Aquifer — the Floridan in Martin County contacts Eocene Avon Park Formation dolomite and Ocala Group limestone — carbonate aquifer circulation through ancient Eocene marine carbonates produces moderately hard water at 167.5 mg/L in this Treasure Coast Martin County community.