Highview Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
11.5 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
461.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.53
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 Highview, your appliances are currently losing 26% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Highview | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.1 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -64% |
| Washing Machine | 6.3 yrs | 12 yrs | -48% |
| Water Heater | 7.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -49% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Highview compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Highview, Kentucky | 197.5 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Newburg, Kentucky | 195 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Fern Creek, Kentucky | 150 mg/L | 5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Okolona, Kentucky | 235 mg/L | 7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Jeffersontown, Kentucky | 105.5 mg/L | 4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Highview compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Highview | 197.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Highview's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Highview, Kentucky, in Jefferson County — a Jefferson County community adjacent to Fern Creek and Jeffersontown in the southeast Louisville suburb — receives its water from the Louisville Water Company, drawing from the Ohio River (Jefferson County) through the Louisville metro distribution.
The very hard 197.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 461.5 mg/L reflect the north Kentucky Ohio River supply's intense Ordovician calcareous character — consistent with other Louisville Water Company-served Jefferson County communities (Louisville: ~195 mg/L; Shively: ~198 mg/L). The Ohio River at Louisville receives drainage from Ordovician Cincinnati Group (calcareous shale-limestone — primary hardness contributor), Ordovician Maysvillian Limestone (calcareous), and Silurian Clinton Group (calcareous limestone). The Ordovician Cincinnati Arch calcareous formations produce the very hard north Kentucky supply.
At 197.5 mg/L with TDS 462, Highview's water is very hard. A water softener is strongly recommended. Scale builds rapidly on all surfaces, appliance lifespans are significantly shortened, and water heaters require annual descaling without softening. The PFAS level of 6.1 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Jefferson County Louisville metro industrial corridor, Fort Knox (Hardin County — AFFF), and the Ohio River PFAS background from the upper Ohio industrial complex contribute to Highview's readings.
Geology & Source: Highview in Jefferson County draws from the Louisville Water Company on the Ohio River (Jefferson County, north Kentucky) — the Ohio at Louisville receives drainage from Ordovician Cincinnati Group calcareous and Silurian Clinton Group limestone — Kentucky Jefferson County Ohio River Ordovician calcareous watershed produces very hard water at 197.5 mg/L with TDS 461.5 mg/L.