Berea Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
9.2 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
331.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.42
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 Berea, your appliances are currently losing 21% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Berea | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.4 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -48% |
| Washing Machine | 7.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -35% |
| Water Heater | 9.3 yrs | 15 yrs | -38% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Berea compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Berea, Kentucky | 157.5 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Richmond, Kentucky | 60.5 mg/L | 2.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Nicholasville, Kentucky | 199.5 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Winchester, Kentucky | 59 mg/L | 2.9 ppt | 🟢 Soft | river |
| Lexington, Kentucky | 245.5 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Berea compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Berea | 157.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Berea's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Berea, Kentucky, in Madison County — a Madison County city adjacent to Richmond and Paint Lick on the Dix River in central Kentucky — receives its municipal water from the Berea Utilities Water Division, drawing from local Madison County reservoir sources through the central Kentucky water treatment system.
The hard 157.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 331.2 mg/L reflect the central Kentucky Madison County supply's moderately hard Ordovician Bluegrass calcareous character — somewhat softer than the deeper Bluegrass communities (Shelbyville: 231 mg/L; Frankfort: ~225 mg/L) due to Berea's position at the Knobs transition zone where the Ordovician limestone is covered by insoluble Silurian and Devonian clastic rock. The Madison County watershed transitions from the Bluegrass Region — Ordovician Lexington Limestone (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Ordovician Cincinnati Group (calcareous shale), and Silurian clastic cover (insoluble dilutant at the Knobs transition).
At 157.5 mg/L, Berea's water is hard — scale builds steadily in kettles and appliances, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and water heaters should be descaled annually. Monthly descaling is recommended. The PFAS level of 5.2 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Madison County central Kentucky agricultural-industrial corridor and the Kentucky Bluegrass PFAS background from Fort Knox (Hardin County — AFFF) and the Lexington metro industrial complex contribute to Berea's readings.
Geology & Source: Berea in Madison County draws from the Berea Utilities Water Division on the Dix River and local Madison County reservoirs (Madison County, central Kentucky) — the Dix River drains the Bluegrass Region (Ordovician Lexington Limestone, Ordovician Cincinnati Group — calcareous) — Kentucky Madison County Dix River Bluegrass calcareous watershed produces hard water at 157.5 mg/L with TDS 331.2 mg/L.