How does Hattiesburg's water compare to the national average?

The USA national average is 151 mg/L. Hattiesburg (≈ 180+ mg/L) is 189 mg/L harder than average.

Hattiesburg Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

very hard

180+ mg/L

Very Hard

estimated · not lab-verified

Source

groundwater

pH Level

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.008 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

465.2 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

$0.91

energy & soap waste

Source: See methodology section below · Updated 2026

very hard180+ mg/LVery Hard · est.

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 Hattiesburg, your appliances are currently losing 45% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

Appliance	In Hattiesburg	Soft Water City	Efficiency Loss
Kettle	4.7 yrs	8.5 yrs	-45%
Washing Machine	6.6 yrs	12 yrs	-45%
Water Heater	8.3 yrs	15 yrs	-45%

Regional Water Comparison

How Hattiesburg compares to its nearest neighbours

City	Hardness	Risk	Source
▶ Hattiesburg, Mississippi	≈ 180+ mg/L	🔴 Very Hard	groundwater
Petal, Mississippi	≈ 120–179 mg/L	🟠 Hard	groundwater
Laurel, Mississippi	≈ 120–179 mg/L	🟠 Hard	groundwater
Bogalusa, Louisiana	≈ 120–179 mg/L	🟠 Hard	groundwater
Carriere, Mississippi	≈ 120–179 mg/L	🟠 Hard	groundwater

National Benchmark

How Hattiesburg compares to the USA average

Benchmark	Hardness	Appliance Risk
▶ Hattiesburg	≈ 180+ mg/L	🔴 High
USA National Avg	151 mg/L	🟠 Moderate
Scarsdale Top Rated	0.02 mg/L	🟢 None

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What Makes Hattiesburg's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: GroundwaterTDS: 465.2 mg/LpH: 8

The City of Hattiesburg (Public Water System ID: MS0180008) serves approximately 43,449 residents across Hattiesburg and surrounding areas in Forrest County, Mississippi. Water is sourced exclusively from 15 deep groundwater wells tapping the Miocene Aquifer; there are no surface water treatment plants. The supply is processed through standard groundwater treatment at utility facilities. Contact the utility at 601-545-4501 or for emergencies at 601-545-4634; mailing address P O BOX 1898, Hattiesburg, MS 39403. The 2024 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report confirms compliance with EPA standards.

Hattiesburg's water originates from the Miocene Aquifer in the Gulf Coastal Plain physiographic province, without a defined surface watershed due to its groundwater nature. The aquifer comprises Tertiary-period sands, clays, and limestones from Miocene marine and deltaic environments, which dissolve calcium and magnesium into the water as it percolates through limestone-rich strata. This mineralized supply differs from softer waters in sandy or low-limestone areas, as the calcareous sedimentary bedrock elevates dissolved ion concentrations during infiltration, imparting a hard character rich in calcium and magnesium.

Hard water promotes significant scale buildup in pipes, heaters, and fixtures, reducing efficiency and lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and coffee makers. Soap lathering is poor, leading to higher detergent use and potential dry skin or dull hair. Regular descaling with vinegar, installing sediment filters, and flushing systems annually are recommended. A water softener is strongly recommended to mitigate these effects and protect plumbing. Three contaminants exceeded health guidelines in past tests, earning a Quality Score of 70/100; lead testing is available via the utility at tbarker@hattiesburgms.com. Treatment includes chlorination; vulnerable groups should consult their provider regarding Cryptosporidium risks per CDC/EPA guidance.

Geology & Source: Miocene Aquifer, Gulf Coastal Plain; Miocene-age unconsolidated sands, gravels, and limestone from marine/deltaic sediments — percolation through limestone-rich strata dissolves calcium and magnesium, producing hard water

Other Mississippi Water Reports

Petal

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Laurel

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Bogalusa

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Carriere

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Report an Issue

Notice an error or missing data? Help us keep this page accurate. If you spot incorrect water hardness, outdated utility info, or missing details, please let us know.

All reports are reviewed by our team. Thank you for supporting data quality!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hattiesburg's water safe to drink?

Yes. Hattiesburg's water meets all federal safety standards. The hardness is ≈ 180+ mg/L (Very Hard), which is safe to drink. High hardness affects appliances and taste, but poses no health risk.

Do I need a water softener in Hattiesburg?

At ≈ 180+ mg/L (Very Hard), Hattiesburg's water will cause significant limescale on kettles, washing machines, and water heaters. A water softener or descaler is strongly recommended to extend appliance lifespan and reduce energy bills by up to 45%.

How does Hattiesburg compare to the USA average?

The USA national average is 151 mg/L. Hattiesburg (≈ 180+ mg/L) is 189 mg/L above the national average. The softest major city is Scarsdale at just 0.02 mg/L.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for Hattiesburg is derived from geographic and geological modelling of the surrounding region. No federal monitoring station data was available for this location.

Estimated

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 — the value reflects a statistical range calibrated to the state's dominant rock types and typical source water characteristics.

Estimated

Estimated from regional geology and source water characteristics. pH is correlated with water hardness and local bedrock — values may differ from utility-reported figures.

Estimated

TDS — 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.

Measured

PFAS — Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

EPA UCMR5 (5th Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 2023–2025) — 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.

Modelled

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 — all estimates are maintained below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.

Calculated

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.