Washington Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
14.1 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
584.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.65
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 Washington, your appliances are currently losing 32% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Washington | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -81% |
| Washing Machine | 4.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -62% |
| Water Heater | 5.9 yrs | 15 yrs | -61% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Washington compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Washington, Indiana | 242 mg/L | 7.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Vincennes, Indiana | 224.5 mg/L | 7.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Jasper, Indiana | 131 mg/L | 3.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Bedford, Indiana | 279 mg/L | 9.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Evansville, Indiana | 141.5 mg/L | 4.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Washington compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Washington | 242 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
Bring Badger-quality water to your Washington home
Shop water softeners on Amazon.com →
What Makes Washington's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Washington, Indiana, in Daviess County — a Daviess County city adjacent to Loogootee and Vincennes on the East Fork White River in southwest Indiana — receives its water from the City of Washington Water Department, drawing from the East Fork White River through the southwest Indiana distribution.
The very hard 242 mg/L hardness and high TDS of 584.7 mg/L reflect the Daviess County White River supply's very hard calcareous character — the Mississippian Ste. Genevieve Limestone and associated carbonate formations of the Illinois Basin are highly calcareous throughout southwest Indiana, producing consistently hard water (compare Vincennes IN: 240/580 in Knox County comparable; Jasper IN: 244/590 in Dubois County comparable; Washington consistent very hard from the same Daviess County East Fork White River Mississippian calcareous supply). The East Fork White River at Daviess County — Mississippian Ste. Genevieve Limestone (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Devonian New Albany Shale (slightly calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary White River alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 242 mg/L with TDS 585, Washington's water is very hard — a water softener is strongly recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 7.8 ppt is elevated — a certified drinking water filter is recommended — the Daviess County southwest Indiana agricultural and light industrial corridor contribute to Washington's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Washington in Daviess County draws from the City of Washington Water on the East Fork White River (Daviess County, southwest Indiana) — the East Fork White River at Daviess County drains Mississippian Ste. Genevieve Limestone (calcareous) and Devonian New Albany Shale (slightly calcareous) — Indiana Daviess County White River Mississippian calcareous supply produces very hard water at 242 mg/L with TDS 584.7 mg/L.