Norcross Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.6 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
8.1
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.009 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
387.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.39
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 Norcross, your appliances are currently losing 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Norcross | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -44% |
| Washing Machine | 8.2 yrs | 12 yrs | -32% |
| Water Heater | 9.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -35% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Norcross compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Norcross, Georgia | 146.5 mg/L | 9.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Peachtree Corners, Georgia | 135 mg/L | 8.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Tucker, Georgia | 111 mg/L | 6.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Lilburn, Georgia | 84.5 mg/L | 4.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Johns Creek, Georgia | 84.5 mg/L | 4.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Norcross compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Norcross | 146.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Norcross's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Norcross, Georgia, in Gwinnett County — a Gwinnett County city adjacent to Peachtree Corners and Duluth in the northeast Atlanta metro, a major commercial and residential gateway on the I-85 corridor — receives its municipal water from Gwinnett County Water Resources, drawing from the Chattahoochee River (Lake Lanier supplement) through the Gwinnett water treatment plants (Gwinnett County).
The moderately hard 146.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 387.2 mg/L (elevated TDS for the hardness level) reflect the northeast Atlanta Chattahoochee supply's mixed Piedmont character, consistent with other Gwinnett-north Fulton area readings. The Chattahoochee drains the Georgia Blue Ridge (Precambrian Brasstown Gneiss — mostly insoluble) and the Georgia Piedmont (Ordovician Hillabee Greenstone — moderately calcareous, Cambrian calcareous slate). The elevated TDS relative to hardness suggests additional mineral loading in the northeast Atlanta metro distribution system.
At 146.5 mg/L, Norcross's water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need periodic cleaning. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 9.2 ppt warrants a certified reverse osmosis drinking water filter — Dobbins Air Reserve Base (Cobb County AFFF — Chattahoochee watershed), Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (AFFF), and the northeast Atlanta I-85 corridor industrial complex contribute to Norcross's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Norcross in Gwinnett County draws from Gwinnett County Water Resources on the Chattahoochee River (northeast Atlanta) — the Chattahoochee drains the Georgia Blue Ridge (Precambrian Brasstown Gneiss) and Georgia Piedmont (Ordovician Hillabee Greenstone) — Georgia Gwinnett County Chattahoochee Piedmont watershed produces moderately hard water at 146.5 mg/L with TDS 387.2 mg/L.