Union Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.3 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
262.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.38
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 Union, your appliances are currently losing 19% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Union | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -42% |
| Washing Machine | 8.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -30% |
| Water Heater | 9.9 yrs | 15 yrs | -34% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Union compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Union, Missouri | 141.5 mg/L | 4.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Washington, Missouri | 236.5 mg/L | 7.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Wildwood, Missouri | 118.5 mg/L | 4.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Eureka, Missouri | 285.5 mg/L | 8.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Wentzville, Missouri | 267.5 mg/L | 8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Union compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Union | 141.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Union's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Union, Missouri, in Franklin County — the Franklin County seat adjacent to Washington and Sullivan on the Meramec River in east-central Missouri — receives its water from the City of Union Water Department, drawing from the Meramec River through the east-central Missouri distribution.
The moderately hard 141.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 262.3 mg/L reflect the Franklin County Meramec River supply's moderate calcareous character — the Ordovician Gasconade Dolomite and Mississippian Burlington Limestone are calcareous formations in the Missouri Ozark Plateau, and the Meramec River acquires moderate dissolved mineral content from its Ozark limestone-dolomite drainage (compare Washington MO: 138/255 in Franklin County comparable; Sullivan MO: 144/269 in Franklin County comparable; Union consistent moderate from the same Franklin County Meramec River Ordovician calcareous supply). The Meramec watershed — Ordovician Gasconade Dolomite (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Mississippian Burlington Limestone (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Meramec alluvium (calcareous — minor TDS).
At 141.5 mg/L with TDS 262, Union's water is moderately hard — mild scale buildup. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.7 ppt is moderate — a certified drinking water filter provides added protection. Review the City of Union's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Union in Franklin County draws from the Union Water on the Meramec River (Franklin County, east-central Missouri) — the Meramec watershed at Franklin County drains Ordovician Gasconade Dolomite (calcareous) and Mississippian Burlington Limestone (calcareous) — Missouri Franklin County Meramec River Ordovician calcareous supply produces moderately hard water at 141.5 mg/L with TDS 262.3 mg/L.