Calhoun Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The City of Calhoun Water Department supplies drinking water to Calhoun and nearby areas in northwest Georgia, Gordon County. Their Mauldin Road Treatment Plant processed an average of 6.15 million gallons daily in 2022. The water originates from both the Oostanaula River and local groundwater sources. This utility is part of the Oostanaula River watershed, which feeds into the larger Coosa River system. The City of Calhoun Water Department publishes yearly Consumer Confidence Reports, with the latest 2024 edition accessible via the city's website, detailing all tests conducted throughout the year.

The bedrock beneath Calhoun consists of Paleozoic carbonate and siliciclastic rocks, common in the southern Appalachian region. While these include limestone, which usually leads to hard water, Calhoun's supply is notably soft. This characteristic is attributed to the relatively low mineral content of the Oostanaula River and the particular mineral makeup of the groundwater drawn from local aquifers. This geological setting, a transition between the Ridge and Valley and Appalachian Plateau provinces, influences the water's chemistry but doesn't result in the high mineral concentrations found elsewhere in Georgia.

Because the water is soft, residents typically see minimal scale buildup inside pipes, water heaters, and appliances, which can extend their lifespan and reduce maintenance. Soaps and detergents generally lather well. However, soft water can sometimes be corrosive to plumbing; the City of Calhoun Water Department actively manages this with corrosion control treatments to protect the distribution system and limit lead and copper. While most homes don't need a water softener, some homeowners opt for one. The 2024 report confirms adherence to Safe Drinking Water Act standards, and past reports show the utility has addressed PFAS contamination using reverse osmosis and activated carbon treatments at the Mauldin Road Treatment Plant.