Murray Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The City of Murray Water & Sewer Department serves approximately 20,000 residents in Calloway County, primarily the city of Murray and surrounding areas. The primary source is surface water from the Tennessee River, drawn from the Murray intake in the lower Tennessee River watershed. Water is treated at the Murray Water Treatment Plant, which employs conventional processes including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet state and federal standards. The utility publishes annual Consumer Confidence Reports detailing compliance and testing results, accessible via the city's official website or by request.

The Tennessee River watershed feeds Murray's supply through alluvial aquifers in Calloway County. The Tennessee River alluvium overlays Mississippian limestone formations like the Bethel and Gasper oolites, which are highly soluble. These carbonate-rich rocks impart a hard character to the water as minerals dissolve during infiltration and river flow. The alluvial deposits consist of unconsolidated Quaternary sands, gravels, and silts overlying Cretaceous and Tertiary coastal plain sediments. The region's karst topography enhances mineral pickup, resulting in naturally mineralised water without significant softening from surface dilution.

Hard water in Murray leads to scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, reducing efficiency and lifespan. White deposits on fixtures and reduced soap lathering are common signs. Regular vinegar descaling, installing drain screens, and flushing water heaters annually help mitigate effects. A water softener is recommended for households to prevent appliance damage and improve cleaning performance. Murray's water typically maintains a pH of 7.0–8.0, with consistent compliance for lead and copper under EPA rules. Treatment includes chlorination for disinfection, with fluoridation for dental health; all contaminants remain below maximum contaminant levels per annual CCRs.