Ozark Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.8 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.9
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
287.8 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.40
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 Ozark, your appliances are currently losing 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Ozark | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -46% |
| Washing Machine | 8 yrs | 12 yrs | -33% |
| Water Heater | 9.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -36% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Ozark compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Ozark, Missouri | 151 mg/L | 5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Nixa, Missouri | 231 mg/L | 7 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 |
| Harrison, Arkansas | 176 mg/L | 5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Ozark compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Ozark | 151 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Ozark's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Ozark, Missouri, in Christian County — a Christian County city adjacent to Springfield in the southern Missouri Ozarks, one of the fastest-growing cities in Missouri in the Springfield metropolitan area — receives its municipal water from the City of Ozark Water Division, drawing from the Finley Creek (James River system) or from the Springfield Plateau aquifer system in Christian County.
The moderately hard 151 mg/L hardness and TDS of 287.8 mg/L reflect the Ozark Plateau's classic Mississippian limestone karst character. The James River at the Finley Creek confluence drains the Springfield Plateau — one of the best-developed karst terrains in Missouri — underlain by the Mississippian Burlington Limestone, Keokuk Limestone, and the cherty Chouteau Group (all carbonate rock with abundant chert residuum). The Springfield Plateau aquifer (a regional unconfined karst aquifer) contributes hardness from dissolved Mississippian limestone carbonate, producing the moderately hard supply characteristic of the Ozark Plateau urban area.
At 151 mg/L, Ozark'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 5.0 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Fort Leonard Wood (Pulaski County MO — US Army engineer center, AFFF user in the Gasconade River-Ozark watershed), the Springfield industrial-commercial corridor, and the Missouri Ozark PFAS background contribute to Ozark's readings.
Geology & Source: Ozark in Christian County draws from the City of Ozark Water Division on Finley Creek (James River, Springfield Plateau) or the Springfield Plateau karst aquifer (Mississippian Burlington-Keokuk Limestone) — the James River drains the Ozark Plateaus carbonate karst; Mississippian limestone dissolution adds hardness — Missouri Ozark Mississippian limestone drainage produces moderately hard water at 151 mg/L with TDS 288 mg/L in this Christian County Missouri city.