Alexandria Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
7.4 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
227.4 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.34
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 Alexandria, your appliances are currently losing 17% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Alexandria | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.4 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -36% |
| Washing Machine | 8.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -26% |
| Water Heater | 10.5 yrs | 15 yrs | -30% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Alexandria compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Alexandria, Minnesota | 127 mg/L | 4.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Fergus Falls, Minnesota | 126 mg/L | 4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Willmar, Minnesota | 184 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Sartell, Minnesota | 252.5 mg/L | 6.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Sauk Rapids, Minnesota | 256 mg/L | 7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Alexandria compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Alexandria | 127 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Alexandria's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Alexandria, Minnesota, in Douglas County — a Douglas County city adjacent to Carlos and Garfield in the Alexandria Lakes region of west-central Minnesota — receives its water from the City of Alexandria Water Department, drawing from Lake Carlos and the lake chain through the west-central Minnesota distribution.
The moderately hard 127 mg/L hardness and TDS of 227.4 mg/L reflect the Douglas County lakes supply's moderate calcareous character — the Ordovician Prairie du Chien Dolomite contributes slight dolomitic minerals, while the Quaternary glacial till surrounding the Alexandria lakes region adds calcareous content from crushed carbonate boulders in the till (compare Carlos MN: 124/221 in Douglas County comparable; Garfield MN: 130/234 in Douglas County comparable; Alexandria consistent moderate from the same Douglas County Lake Carlos Ordovician-glacial supply). The Alexandria Lakes at Douglas County — Ordovician Prairie du Chien Dolomite (slightly dolomitic — primary hardness contributor), Quaternary glacial till (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Holocene lake sediments (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 127 mg/L with TDS 227, Alexandria's water is moderately hard — mild scale buildup in appliances over time. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.1 ppt is moderate — a certified drinking water filter provides added protection. Review the City of Alexandria's annual water quality report for the latest contaminant data.
Geology & Source: Alexandria in Douglas County draws from the Alexandria Water on Lake Carlos (Douglas County, west-central Minnesota) — the Alexandria Lakes at Douglas County are underlain by Ordovician Prairie du Chien Dolomite (slightly dolomitic) and Quaternary glacial till (calcareous) — Minnesota Douglas County Lake Carlos Ordovician-glacial supply produces moderately hard water at 127 mg/L with TDS 227.4 mg/L.