Bolivar Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
15.4 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
674.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.70
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 Bolivar, your appliances are currently losing 35% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Bolivar | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -82% |
| Washing Machine | 3.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -68% |
| Water Heater | 5 yrs | 15 yrs | -67% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Bolivar compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Bolivar, Missouri | 264 mg/L | 7.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Springfield, Missouri | 143.5 mg/L | 4.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Republic, Missouri | 200.5 mg/L | 6.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Nixa, Missouri | 231 mg/L | 7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Ozark, Missouri | 151 mg/L | 5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Bolivar compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Bolivar | 264 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Bolivar's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Bolivar, Missouri, in Polk County — the Polk County seat adjacent to Springfield and Stockton on the Ozark Plateau in southwest Missouri — receives its water from the City of Bolivar Water Department, drawing from the Pomme de Terre River watershed through the southwest Missouri distribution.
The very hard 264 mg/L hardness and high TDS of 674.2 mg/L reflect the Polk County Ozark supply's very hard dolomitic character — the Ordovician Gasconade Dolomite and Cambrian Roubidoux Formation are highly calcareous dolomite formations in the Missouri Ozark Plateau, and Bolivar's supply concentrates dissolved mineral content from the deep Ozark dolomite aquifer system (compare Springfield MO: 259/661 in Greene County comparable; Stockton MO: 268/686 in Cedar County comparable; Bolivar consistent very hard from the same Polk County Pomme de Terre River Ordovician calcareous supply). The Ozark Plateau supply — Ordovician Gasconade Dolomite (highly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Cambrian Roubidoux Formation (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Pomme de Terre alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 264 mg/L with TDS 674, Bolivar's water is very hard — a water softener is strongly recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. The PFAS level of 7.9 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter. Review the City of Bolivar's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Bolivar in Polk County draws from the Bolivar Water on the Pomme de Terre River watershed (Polk County, southwest Missouri) — the Ozark Plateau at Polk County draws from Ordovician Gasconade Dolomite (highly calcareous) and Cambrian Roubidoux Formation (calcareous) — Missouri Polk County Pomme de Terre River Ordovician calcareous supply produces very hard water at 264 mg/L with TDS 674.2 mg/L.