Anderson Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Anderson, Indiana, the Madison County seat on the West Fork White River — a historic central Indiana automotive and manufacturing city (Delco Remy, Guide Lamp Division of GM), now undergoing economic transition with Anderson University and Mounds State Park as anchors — draws its municipal water supply from the West Fork White River Valley alluvial aquifer via the City of Anderson Board of Public Works Water Division, pumping from Madison County calcareous glacial outwash wells. Water hardness in Anderson measures 130 mg/L — classified as moderately hard.

Anderson's moderate hardness reflects the Madison County White River Valley calcareous glacial terrain. The White River Valley alluvial aquifer at Anderson is recharged by: the Madison County Wisconsin Age glacial outwash (Tipton Till Plain calcareous outwash sand and gravel — transported from the calcareous Great Lakes dolomite and limestone terrain); the Silurian Niagara Dolomite subcropping in the White River Valley floor (calcareous Silurian dolomite of the Cincinnati Arch); and the White River alluvial calcareous sand and gravel. However, Madison County's White River Valley aquifer at Anderson has moderate calcareous content compared to the more concentrated Johnson County and Marion County supplies, producing the moderate 130 mg/L.

At 130 mg/L, Anderson residents encounter moderate scale accumulation. Faucet aerators and showerheads develop deposits after several months — monthly cleaning with citric acid solution is practical maintenance. City of Anderson Board of Public Works Water Division consistently delivers water meeting all Indiana IDEM and EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.