Carthage Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
14.4 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
606.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.66
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 Carthage, your appliances are currently losing 33% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Carthage | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -82% |
| Washing Machine | 4.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -63% |
| Water Heater | 5.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -62% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Carthage compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Carthage, Missouri | 247 mg/L | 7.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Joplin, Missouri | 219.5 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Pittsburg, Kansas | 423 mg/L | 5.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Miami, Oklahoma | 317 mg/L | 5.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Bella Vista, Arkansas | 181 mg/L | 5.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Carthage compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Carthage | 247 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Carthage's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Carthage, Missouri, in Jasper County — the Jasper County seat adjacent to Joplin and Neosho in southwest Missouri — receives its water from the Carthage Water Division, drawing from the Spring River or Ozark Plateau groundwater (Jasper County) through the southwest Missouri water treatment system.
The extremely hard 247 mg/L hardness and TDS of 606.3 mg/L reflect the southwest Missouri Ozark Plateau supply's very hard Mississippian-Ordovician calcareous-dolomitic character — consistent with other Jasper County Ozark Plateau communities (Joplin: ~245 mg/L). The Jasper County watershed drains the Ozark Plateau — Mississippian Burlington Limestone (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Mississippian Warsaw Formation (calcareous), Ordovician Jefferson City Dolomite (dolomitic — secondary contributor), and Ordovician Gasconade Dolomite (dolomitic). The extensive Ozark Mississippian-Ordovician carbonate dissolution produces the very hard southwest Missouri supply.
At 247 mg/L with TDS 606, Carthage's water is extremely hard. A water softener is strongly recommended to prevent rapid scale buildup and shortened appliance lifespans. The PFAS level of 7.4 ppt warrants a certified reverse osmosis drinking water filter — Joplin Regional Airport (Jasper County — AFFF) and the southwest Missouri industrial corridor contribute to Carthage's readings.
Geology & Source: Carthage in Jasper County draws from the Carthage Water Division on Spring River or local Ozark Plateau groundwater (Jasper County, southwest Missouri) — the watershed drains the Ozark Plateau (Mississippian Burlington Limestone — calcareous, Ordovician Jefferson City Dolomite — dolomitic) — Missouri Jasper County Ozark Plateau Mississippian-Ordovician calcareous-dolomitic watershed produces extremely hard water at 247 mg/L with TDS 606.3 mg/L.