Jefferson Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.7 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
8.1
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.009 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
401.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.40
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 Jefferson, your appliances are currently losing 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Jefferson | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -45% |
| Washing Machine | 8.1 yrs | 12 yrs | -33% |
| Water Heater | 9.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -36% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Jefferson compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Jefferson, Georgia | 149 mg/L | 9.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Winder, Georgia | 84 mg/L | 4.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Athens, Georgia | 98.5 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Gainesville, Georgia | 119.5 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Monroe, Georgia | 134 mg/L | 8.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Jefferson compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Jefferson | 149 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Jefferson's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Jefferson, Georgia, in Jackson County — the Jackson County seat adjacent to Commerce and Gainesville in the north Georgia Piedmont — receives its water from the City of Jefferson Water Department, drawing from the Curry Creek Reservoir through the north Georgia distribution.
The hard 149 mg/L hardness and TDS of 401.1 mg/L reflect the Jackson County supply's hard Georgia Piedmont character — the Precambrian Brevard Zone and Cambrian Chilhowee Group are slightly calcareous metamorphic and sedimentary formations in the north Georgia Piedmont; Jefferson's reservoir supply acquires substantial dissolved mineral content from its north Georgia Piedmont drainage (compare Commerce GA: 145/391 in Jackson County comparable; Gainesville GA: 152/411 in Hall County comparable; Jefferson consistent hard from the same Jackson County Curry Creek Reservoir Precambrian supply). The Curry Creek Reservoir — Precambrian Brevard Zone (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Cambrian Chilhowee Group (slightly calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Jackson County Piedmont alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 149 mg/L with TDS 401, Jefferson's water is hard — scale builds in appliances. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 9.5 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter. Review the City of Jefferson's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Jefferson in Jackson County draws from the Jefferson Water on the Curry Creek Reservoir (Jackson County, north Georgia) — the Georgia Piedmont at Jackson County draws from Precambrian Brevard Zone (slightly calcareous) and Cambrian Chilhowee Group (slightly calcareous) — Georgia Jackson County Curry Creek Reservoir Precambrian supply produces hard water at 149 mg/L with TDS 401.1 mg/L.