DeRidder Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
3.2 grains per gallon
Source
groundwater
pH Level
6.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
β Below action level
TDS
55 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.15
energy & soap waste
Source: See methodology section below Β· Updated 2026
0β60
mg/L
Soft
61β120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121β180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In DeRidder, your appliances are currently losing 7% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In DeRidder | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -7% |
| Washing Machine | 11.2 yrs | 12 yrs | -7% |
| Water Heater | 14 yrs | 15 yrs | -7% |
Regional Water Comparison
How DeRidder compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| βΆ DeRidder, Louisiana | 55.5 mg/L | 0 ppt | π’ Soft | groundwater |
| Moss Bluff, Louisiana | β 120β179 mg/L | 13.1 ppt | π Hard | river |
| Sulphur, Louisiana | β 120β179 mg/L | 0 ppt | π Hard | groundwater |
| Lake Charles, Louisiana | β 120β179 mg/L | 0 ppt | π Hard | groundwater |
| Orange, Texas | β 180+ mg/L | 0 ppt | π΄ Very Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How DeRidder compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| βΆ DeRidder | 55.5 mg/L | π’ None |
| USA National Avg | 151 mg/L | π Moderate |
| Scarsdale Top Rated | 0.02 mg/L | π’ None |
Bring Scarsdale-quality water to your DeRidder home
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What Makes DeRidder's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
The City of DeRidder Water System provides drinking water to about 14,400 residents in DeRidder, Louisiana. This utility draws its entire water supply from underground aquifers, which are then treated at local facilities using chlorine for disinfection. You can reach the City of DeRidder Water System by phone at 337-462-8900 or by mail at 200 South Jefferson Street, DeRidder, LA 70634. The system received an 'A' grade from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals for 2025, and its water meets all EPA Maximum Contaminant Level Goals. Because it's a groundwater source, there's no surface watershed; instead, water replenishes through rain that soaks into the Piney Woods region of western Louisiana.
The water is drawn from the Catahoula and Carrizo-Wilcox aquifers, which consist of Tertiary sands and clays. Interbedded limestones from Miocene and Eocene formations also contribute to the geology. This landscape, formed by ancient deltaic deposition, yields water that is moderately mineralized. The interaction with carbonate-rich sediments influences the water's overall chemistry, resulting in neither extreme softness nor hardness. The Gulf Coastal Plain geology is responsible for this characteristic mineral profile.
Homeowners might notice some scale buildup in appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and coffee makers over time, although it's less severe than with very hard water. Performing regular maintenance, such as descaling fixtures annually or using vinegar rinses, can help prevent these issues. While a water softener isn't strictly necessary, some households might prefer one to reduce water spots on glassware or to potentially extend appliance lifespan. The City of DeRidder Water System confirms all contaminants are within safe levels according to health-based guidelines, with zero contaminants found above limits in 2026 testing.
Geology & Source: Gulf Coastal Plain sands and clays; Catahoula and Carrizo-Wilcox aquifers; calcareous sediments and shell fragments impart moderate mineral content
Other Louisiana Water Reports
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Frequently Asked Questions
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How does DeRidder compare to the USA average?
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for DeRidder is derived from geographic and geological modelling of the surrounding region. No federal monitoring station data was available for this location.
Water Hardness
Modelled estimate based on state-level USGS geological survey data for this region. No direct USGS Water Quality Portal measurement was matched to this city β the value reflects a statistical range calibrated to the state's dominant rock types and typical source water characteristics.
pH
Estimated from regional geology and source water characteristics. pH is correlated with water hardness and local bedrock β values may differ from utility-reported figures.
TDS β Total Dissolved Solids
Estimated using a derived ratio from water hardness and regional conductance profiles. TDS in natural water correlates strongly with total mineral content including hardness ions.
PFAS β Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
EPA UCMR5 (5th Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 2023β2025) β sum of PFAS compounds detected at the public water system serving this city. A value of 0 indicates the system was sampled with no detection above reporting limits.
Lead
Modelled estimate based on the EPA Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile tap-sample methodology. No publicly available per-city lead dataset with sufficient national coverage exists. Values are a conservative baseline derived from city population tier and infrastructure age β all estimates are maintained below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Appliance Lifespan
Calculated from water hardness using a linear degradation model. Baseline lifespans represent soft-water performance (kettle: 8.5 yrs, washing machine: 12.0 yrs, water heater: 15.0 yrs). Hard water mineral scale progressively reduces operational life in direct proportion to hardness concentration.