South Sioux City Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
19.7 grains per gallon
Source
groundwater
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
1032.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.90
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 South Sioux City, your appliances are currently losing 45% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In South Sioux City | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -82% |
| Washing Machine | 3 yrs | 12 yrs | -75% |
| Water Heater | 5 yrs | 15 yrs | -67% |
Regional Water Comparison
How South Sioux City compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ South Sioux City, Nebraska | 338 mg/L | 4.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Sioux City, Iowa | 164.5 mg/L | 3.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Fremont, Nebraska | 312.5 mg/L | 4.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Yankton, South Dakota | 202 mg/L | 2.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Norfolk, Nebraska | 322.5 mg/L | 4.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How South Sioux City compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ South Sioux City | 338 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes South Sioux City's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
South Sioux City, Nebraska, in Dakota County — a Dakota County city adjacent to Sioux City IA and Homer on the Missouri River in northeast Nebraska — receives its water from the South Sioux City Water System, drawing from the Missouri River or local Dakota aquifer (Dakota County) through the northeast Nebraska distribution.
The extremely hard 338 mg/L hardness and TDS of 1032.9 mg/L — exceeding 1,000 mg/L TDS — place South Sioux City among the most mineral-rich water cities in this dataset. The Missouri River at this point carries concentrated Great Plains dissolved solids from calcareous limestone, dolomite, and evaporite formations across the Missouri Basin, with the local Dakota aquifer's Cretaceous-Mississippian carbonate contact further elevating the hardness to extreme levels. The Missouri River-Dakota aquifer at Dakota County — Cretaceous Dakota Sandstone (slightly calcareous — secondary contributor), Mississippian calcareous limestone (highly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Quaternary Missouri River alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 338 mg/L with TDS 1033, South Sioux City's water is extremely hard. A water softener is essential to prevent severe scale damage. A reverse osmosis system is required for drinking water. The PFAS level of 4.7 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Dakota County northeast Nebraska industrial corridor contribute to South Sioux City's readings.
Geology & Source: South Sioux City in Dakota County draws from the South Sioux City Water System on the Missouri River (Dakota County, northeast Nebraska) — the Missouri River at Dakota County drains the Great Plains through Cretaceous Dakota Sandstone (slightly calcareous) and Mississippian calcareous limestone — Nebraska Dakota County Missouri River Cretaceous-Mississippian calcareous supply produces extremely hard water at 338 mg/L with TDS 1032.9 mg/L.