Murray 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
331.1 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 Murray, your appliances are currently losing 21% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Murray | 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 Murray compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Murray, Kentucky | 157.5 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Paducah, Kentucky | 117.5 mg/L | 4.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Fort Campbell North, Kentucky | 214.5 mg/L | 6.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Hopkinsville, Kentucky | 233.5 mg/L | 7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Clarksville, Tennessee | 139.5 mg/L | 4.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Murray compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Murray | 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 Murray's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Murray, Kentucky, in Calloway County — the Calloway County seat in western Kentucky adjacent to Mayfield and Paducah, home of Murray State University, in the Jackson Purchase region of far western Kentucky — receives its municipal water from the Murray Water System, drawing from Kentucky Lake (Tennessee River impoundment) or the Clarks River watershed in Calloway County.
The moderately hard 157.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 331.1 mg/L reflect the Tennessee River at Kentucky Lake's watershed limestone character. The Tennessee River at Kentucky Lake (created by TVA's Kentucky Dam — the largest TVA reservoir) drains the Cumberland Plateau and the Mississippian Plateau of Tennessee and Alabama — terrain dominated by the Mississippian St. Louis Limestone, Warsaw Limestone, and the Ordovician Knox Dolomite. The Tennessee Valley limestone drainage produces the moderately hard water characteristic of TVA reservoir supplies in western Kentucky and Tennessee.
At 157.5 mg/L, Murray's water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and bathroom fixtures develop calcium deposits. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.2 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Fort Campbell (Christian County KY-Montgomery County TN — US Army, AFFF user in the Tennessee-Red River watershed), the Jackson Purchase industrial corridor, and the western Kentucky Tennessee Valley PFAS background contribute to Murray's readings.
Geology & Source: Murray in Calloway County draws from the Murray Water System on Kentucky Lake (Tennessee River, Marshall County) or Clarks River (Calloway County) — the Tennessee River at Kentucky Lake drains the Cumberland Plateau and the Tennessee Valley (Mississippian St. Louis and Warsaw Limestone) — Tennessee Valley Mississippian limestone drainage produces moderately hard water at 157.5 mg/L with TDS 331 mg/L in this Calloway County Kentucky city.