El Dorado Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
15.3 grains per gallon
Source
groundwater
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
710.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.70
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 El Dorado, your appliances are currently losing 35% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In El Dorado | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -82% |
| Washing Machine | 3.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -68% |
| Water Heater | 5.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -66% |
Regional Water Comparison
How El Dorado compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ El Dorado, Kansas | 262.5 mg/L | 3.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Andover, Kansas | 172 mg/L | 2.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Derby, Kansas | 196 mg/L | 3.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Wichita, Kansas | 334.5 mg/L | 4.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Newton, Kansas | 292.5 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How El Dorado compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ El Dorado | 262.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes El Dorado's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
El Dorado, Kansas, in Butler County — the Butler County seat adjacent to Wichita and Augusta on the Walnut River in south-central Kansas — receives its water from the City of El Dorado Water, drawing from El Dorado Lake or the Walnut River (Butler County) through the south-central Kansas distribution.
The very hard 262.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 710.1 mg/L reflect the south-central Kansas Butler County Flint Hills supply's very hard calcareous character — the Permian Chase Group limestone and Cretaceous Greenhorn Limestone produce extremely hard water in the Kansas Flint Hills, compounded by the semi-arid Great Plains evaporative concentration (compare McPherson KS: 162/381 on the Equus Beds; El Dorado significantly harder from the Permian limestone). The Walnut River at Butler County — Permian Chase Group limestone (highly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Cretaceous Greenhorn Limestone (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 262.5 mg/L with TDS 710, El Dorado'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 3.9 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Butler County south-central Kansas oil and industrial corridor contribute to El Dorado's readings.
Geology & Source: El Dorado in Butler County draws from the City of El Dorado Water on El Dorado Lake or Walnut River (Butler County, south-central Kansas) — the Walnut River at Butler County drains the Flint Hills (Permian Chase Group limestone — highly calcareous) and Cretaceous Greenhorn Limestone (calcareous) — Kansas Butler County Walnut River Permian-Cretaceous highly calcareous supply produces very hard water at 262.5 mg/L with TDS 710.1 mg/L.