Festus Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
7.2 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
214.8 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.33
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 Festus, your appliances are currently losing 16% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Festus | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -35% |
| Washing Machine | 9 yrs | 12 yrs | -25% |
| Water Heater | 10.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -29% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Festus compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Festus, Missouri | 123 mg/L | 4.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Arnold, Missouri | 250.5 mg/L | 7.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Oakville, Missouri | 100 mg/L | 3.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Waterloo, Illinois | 159.5 mg/L | 5.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Columbia, Illinois | 283 mg/L | 9.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Festus compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Festus | 123 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Festus's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Festus, Missouri, in Jefferson County — a Jefferson County city adjacent to Crystal City and De Soto on the Meramec River corridor in east-central Missouri — receives its water from the Jefferson County Water and Sewerage District or City of Festus Water, drawing from the Meramec River and local groundwater through the east-central Missouri distribution.
The moderately hard 123 mg/L hardness and TDS of 214.8 mg/L reflect the Jefferson County Meramec supply's moderate calcareous character — the Ordovician Jefferson City Dolomite and Mississippian Burlington Limestone are carbonate formations typical of the Missouri Ozark border, but the Meramec's relatively dilute watershed tempers the mineral load (compare Festus MO: softer than interior Ozark communities; Arnold MO: 120/210 in Jefferson County comparable; Festus consistent moderate from the same Jefferson County Meramec River dolomitic supply). The Meramec River at Jefferson County — Ordovician Jefferson City Dolomite (dolomitic — primary hardness contributor), Mississippian Burlington Limestone (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Meramec alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 123 mg/L with TDS 215, Festus's water is moderately hard — mild scale buildup in appliances over time, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.3 ppt is moderate — a certified drinking water filter provides added protection. Review the Jefferson County Water District's annual water quality report for the latest monitoring data.
Geology & Source: Festus in Jefferson County draws from the Jefferson County Water on the Meramec River (Jefferson County, east-central Missouri) — the Meramec watershed at Jefferson County drains Ordovician Jefferson City Dolomite (dolomitic) and Mississippian Burlington Limestone (calcareous) — Missouri Jefferson County Meramec River Ordovician-Mississippian dolomitic supply produces moderately hard water at 123 mg/L with TDS 214.8 mg/L.