Excelsior Springs Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
132 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.23
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 Excelsior Springs, your appliances are currently losing 11% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Excelsior Springs | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -20% |
| Washing Machine | 10.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -13% |
| Water Heater | 12.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -19% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Excelsior Springs compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Excelsior Springs, Missouri | 86 mg/L | 3.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Liberty, Missouri | 195.5 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| East Independence, Missouri | 219 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Independence, Missouri | 141.5 mg/L | 4.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Grain Valley, Missouri | 284 mg/L | 8.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Excelsior Springs compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Excelsior Springs | 86 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Excelsior Springs's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Excelsior Springs, Missouri, in Clay County — a Clay County city adjacent to Liberty and Kearney on the Fishing River in north-central Missouri — receives its water from the City of Excelsior Springs Water Department, drawing from the Fishing River and historic mineral spring aquifer through the north-central Missouri distribution.
The soft 86 mg/L hardness and low TDS of 132 mg/L are notably soft for north Missouri — historically, Excelsior Springs was famous for its mineral springs, but the modern municipal supply draws from the Fishing River surface water and diluted groundwater that averages quite soft (compare Liberty MO: 83/126 in Clay County comparable; Kearney MO: 89/138 in Clay County comparable; Excelsior Springs consistent soft from the same Clay County Fishing River Pennsylvanian-Mississippian supply). The Fishing River at Clay County — Pennsylvanian Cherokee Group (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Mississippian Burlington Limestone (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Fishing River alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 86 mg/L with TDS 132, Excelsior Springs' water is soft — minimal scale buildup and good appliance longevity. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 3.3 ppt is low — a clean result for north Missouri. Review the City of Excelsior Springs' annual water quality report for the latest data.
Geology & Source: Excelsior Springs in Clay County draws from the Excelsior Springs Water on the Fishing River (Clay County, north-central Missouri) — the Fishing River at Clay County drains Pennsylvanian Cherokee Group (slightly calcareous) and Mississippian Burlington Limestone (calcareous) — Missouri Clay County Fishing River Pennsylvanian-Mississippian supply produces soft water at 86 mg/L with TDS 132 mg/L.