Clayton Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.2 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
259.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.37
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 Clayton, your appliances are currently losing 19% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Clayton | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -41% |
| Washing Machine | 8.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -30% |
| Water Heater | 10 yrs | 15 yrs | -33% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Clayton compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Clayton, Missouri | 140.5 mg/L | 4.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| University City, Missouri | 161.5 mg/L | 5.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Webster Groves, Missouri | 257 mg/L | 7.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Overland, Missouri | 145.5 mg/L | 4.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Affton, Missouri | 204 mg/L | 6.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Clayton compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Clayton | 140.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Clayton's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Clayton, Missouri, in Saint Louis County — the Saint Louis County seat adjacent to University City and Ladue in the inner St. Louis suburbs — receives its municipal water from Missouri American Water, drawing from the Missouri River (Saint Louis County) through the Missouri American Water treatment system.
The moderately hard 140.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 259.7 mg/L are consistent with the St. Louis metro Missouri American Water supply zone (Overland: 145.5 mg/L) — reflecting the Missouri River's moderate Ozark-Central Lowland carbonate character. The Missouri River at Saint Louis County drains the Central Lowlands — Mississippian Burlington Limestone (very high purity limestone — the dominant Central USA carbonate platform), Ordovician Gasconade Dolomite (calcareous), and Cambrian Roubidoux Formation (calcareous). The Mississippian and Ordovician carbonate input produces the moderately hard St. Louis metro supply.
At 140.5 mg/L, Clayton's water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need periodic cleaning. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.7 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Saint Louis County inner St. Louis industrial corridor and the Missouri River PFAS background from the upper Missouri basin contribute to Clayton's readings.
Geology & Source: Clayton in Saint Louis County draws from Missouri American Water on the Missouri River (Saint Louis County, east Missouri) — the Missouri drains the Central Lowlands (Mississippian Burlington Limestone, Ordovician Gasconade Dolomite — calcareous) — Missouri Saint Louis County Missouri River Central Lowland carbonate watershed produces moderately hard water at 140.5 mg/L with TDS 259.7 mg/L in this Saint Louis County Missouri city.