West Plains Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
16.6 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.009 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
757.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.76
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 West Plains, your appliances are currently losing 38% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In West Plains | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -82% |
| Washing Machine | 3.1 yrs | 12 yrs | -74% |
| Water Heater | 5 yrs | 15 yrs | -67% |
Regional Water Comparison
How West Plains compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ West Plains, Missouri | 284 mg/L | 8.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Mountain Home, Arkansas | 73 mg/L | 3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Batesville, Arkansas | 132 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri | 202.5 mg/L | 6.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Rolla, Missouri | 269.5 mg/L | 8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How West Plains compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ West Plains | 284 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes West Plains's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
West Plains, Missouri, in Howell County — the Howell County seat adjacent to Mountain Grove on the North Fork reservoir in south-central Missouri — receives its water from the City of West Plains Water, drawing from the North Fork reservoir (Howell County) through the south-central Missouri distribution.
The very hard 284 mg/L hardness and TDS of 757.1 mg/L reflect the south-central Missouri Howell County Ozark Plateau supply's very hard dolomitic character — the Ordovician Gasconade Dolomite and Mississippian Burlington Formation produce very hard water throughout the Missouri Ozark communities (compare Fulton MO: 348/1025 in Callaway County harder on the deeper Ozark spring supply; West Plains very hard on the Howell County surface dolomite draw). The North Fork-Ozark system at Howell County — Ordovician Gasconade Dolomite (dolomitic — primary hardness contributor), Mississippian Burlington Formation (highly calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Ozark alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 284 mg/L with TDS 757, West Plains' water is very hard. A water softener is strongly recommended to prevent rapid scale buildup. A reverse osmosis system is advisable for drinking water. The PFAS level of 8.4 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Howell County south-central Missouri industrial corridor contribute to West Plains' elevated readings.
Geology & Source: West Plains in Howell County is served by City of West Plains Water drawing from North Fork White River — the Howell County watershed drains Ordovician Gasconade Dolomite (dolomitic) and Mississippian Burlington Limestone (highly calcareous) — MO Howell County Ozark North Fork dolomitic supply produces very hard water at 284 mg/L with TDS 757.1 mg/L.