Bardstown Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.3 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
155.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.24
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 Bardstown, your appliances are currently losing 12% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Bardstown | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -22% |
| Washing Machine | 10.2 yrs | 12 yrs | -15% |
| Water Heater | 12 yrs | 15 yrs | -20% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Bardstown compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Bardstown, Kentucky | 91 mg/L | 3.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Mount Washington, Kentucky | 133.5 mg/L | 4.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Highview, Kentucky | 197.5 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Fern Creek, Kentucky | 150 mg/L | 5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Jeffersontown, Kentucky | 105.5 mg/L | 4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Bardstown compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Bardstown | 91 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Bardstown's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Bardstown, Kentucky, in Nelson County — the Nelson County seat adjacent to Louisville and Springfield in central Kentucky — receives its water from the Bardstown Water System, drawing from the Rolling Fork (Nelson County) through the central Kentucky distribution.
The moderately soft 91 mg/L hardness and TDS of 155.7 mg/L reflect the central Kentucky Nelson County Rolling Fork supply's moderate calcareous character — the Knobs region's Mississippian limestone and Silurian McKenzie Formation contribute moderate calcareous dissolution, but diluted by the insoluble Silurian formations in the upper Rolling Fork watershed producing a moderately soft supply. The Rolling Fork at Nelson County — Mississippian St. Louis Limestone (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Silurian McKenzie Formation (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Devonian insoluble shale (dilutant — insoluble upper watershed).
At 91 mg/L, Bardstown's water is moderately soft — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and no softening is needed. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 3.6 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Nelson County central Kentucky distillery-industrial corridor contribute to Bardstown's readings.
Geology & Source: Bardstown in Nelson County draws from the Bardstown Water System on the Rolling Fork (Nelson County, central Kentucky) — the Rolling Fork watershed at Nelson County drains the Knobs (Mississippian St. Louis Limestone — calcareous) and Silurian McKenzie Formation (calcareous) — Kentucky Nelson County Rolling Fork Mississippian-Silurian calcareous supply produces moderately soft water at 91 mg/L with TDS 155.7 mg/L.