Centralia Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
13.9 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
572.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.64
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 Centralia, your appliances are currently losing 32% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Centralia | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -80% |
| Washing Machine | 4.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -60% |
| Water Heater | 6.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -59% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Centralia compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Centralia, Illinois | 238.5 mg/L | 8.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Mount Vernon, Illinois | 184.5 mg/L | 6.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Herrin, Illinois | 223.5 mg/L | 7.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Shiloh, Illinois | 155.5 mg/L | 5.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| O'Fallon, Illinois | 239.5 mg/L | 8.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Centralia compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Centralia | 238.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Centralia's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Centralia, Illinois, in Marion County — a Marion County city adjacent to Breese and Salem on the Kaskaskia River in south-central Illinois — receives its water from the City of Centralia Water, drawing from the Kaskaskia River or Carlyle Lake (Marion County) through the south-central Illinois distribution.
The very hard 238.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 572.3 mg/L reflect the south-central Illinois Marion County Kaskaskia River supply's very hard calcareous character — the Mississippian Salem Limestone and Pennsylvanian McLeansboro Formation produce very hard calcareous water in the Illinois Ozark Uplift region, consistent with the south-central Illinois communities (compare Herrin IL: 223.5/515 in Williamson County comparable; Centralia slightly harder from the Marion County deeper calcareous contact). The Kaskaskia River at Marion County — Mississippian Salem Limestone (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Pennsylvanian McLeansboro Formation (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Kaskaskia alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 238.5 mg/L with TDS 572, Centralia's water is very hard. A water softener is strongly recommended to prevent rapid scale buildup. A reverse osmosis system is advisable for drinking water. The PFAS level of 8.3 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Marion County south-central Illinois industrial corridor contribute to Centralia's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Centralia in Marion County draws from the City of Centralia Water on Carlyle Lake (Marion County, south-central Illinois) — the Kaskaskia River at Marion County drains the Illinois Ozark Uplift (Mississippian Salem Limestone — calcareous) and Pennsylvanian McLeansboro Formation (calcareous) — Illinois Marion County Carlyle Lake Mississippian-Pennsylvanian calcareous supply produces very hard water at 238.5 mg/L with TDS 572.3 mg/L.