Waycross Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
7 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
252 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.32
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 Waycross, your appliances are currently losing 16% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Waycross | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -34% |
| Washing Machine | 9.1 yrs | 12 yrs | -24% |
| Water Heater | 10.8 yrs | 15 yrs | -28% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Waycross compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Waycross, Georgia | 120.5 mg/L | 6.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Kingsland, Georgia | 123.5 mg/L | 6.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Brunswick, Georgia | 88 mg/L | 4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| St. Marys, Georgia | 159 mg/L | 9.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Saint Simon Mills, Georgia | 84.5 mg/L | 3.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Waycross compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Waycross | 120.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Waycross's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Waycross, Georgia, in Ware County — the Ware County seat adjacent to Blackshear and Jesup on the Satilla River in southeast Georgia — receives its water from the Waycross Water Department, drawing from the Satilla River or Floridan Aquifer groundwater (Ware County) through the southeast Georgia distribution.
The moderately hard 120.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 252 mg/L reflect the southeast Georgia Ware County Coastal Plain supply's moderate calcareous character — driven by the Floridan Aquifer and Coastal Plain sediment dissolution typical of south Georgia communities. The Ware County watershed draws from — Cretaceous Blufftown Formation (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Eocene Ocala Limestone (calcareous — secondary contributor via Floridan Aquifer), and Quaternary Coastal Plain sand/clay (slightly calcareous).
At 120.5 mg/L, Waycross' 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 6.5 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — Moody Air Force Base (Lowndes County — AFFF) and the southeast Georgia industrial corridor contribute to Waycross' readings.
Geology & Source: Waycross in Ware County draws from the Waycross Water Department on the Satilla River or Floridan Aquifer groundwater (Ware County, southeast Georgia Coastal Plain) — the watershed drains the Southeast Georgia Coastal Plain (Cretaceous and Eocene calcareous formations) — Georgia Ware County Coastal Plain Cretaceous-Eocene calcareous watershed produces moderately hard water at 120.5 mg/L with TDS 252 mg/L.