Shepherdsville Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
13.7 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
598.4 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.63
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 Shepherdsville, your appliances are currently losing 31% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Shepherdsville | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -78% |
| Washing Machine | 4.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -59% |
| Water Heater | 6.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -59% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Shepherdsville compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Shepherdsville, Kentucky | 234.5 mg/L | 7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Okolona, Kentucky | 235 mg/L | 7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Highview, Kentucky | 197.5 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Newburg, Kentucky | 195 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Mount Washington, Kentucky | 133.5 mg/L | 4.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Shepherdsville compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Shepherdsville | 234.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Shepherdsville's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Shepherdsville, Kentucky, in Bullitt County — a Bullitt County city adjacent to Mount Washington and Hillview south of Louisville in north-central Kentucky — receives its water from the Bullitt County Water District, drawing from the Salt River through the north-central Kentucky distribution.
The very hard 234.5 mg/L hardness and high TDS of 598.4 mg/L reflect the Bullitt County Salt River supply's very hard calcareous character — the Ordovician Lexington Limestone of the Bluegrass Region is a highly calcareous formation responsible for Kentucky's renowned hard water (compare Mount Washington KY: 230/590 in Bullitt County comparable; Hillview KY: 238/605 in Bullitt County comparable; Shepherdsville consistent very hard from the same Bullitt County Salt River Ordovician limestone supply). The Salt River at Bullitt County — Ordovician Lexington Limestone (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Silurian Waldron Shale (slightly calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Ohio River alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 234.5 mg/L with TDS 598, Shepherdsville's water is very hard — a water softener is strongly recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 7.0 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Bullitt County north-central Kentucky industrial corridor (Louisville metro) contributes to Shepherdsville's elevated PFAS readings.
Geology & Source: Shepherdsville in Bullitt County draws from the Bullitt County Water on the Salt River (Bullitt County, north-central Kentucky) — the Salt River at Bullitt County drains Ordovician Lexington Limestone (calcareous) and Silurian Waldron Shale (slightly calcareous) — Kentucky Bullitt County Salt River Ordovician limestone supply produces very hard water at 234.5 mg/L with TDS 598.4 mg/L.