Smithfield Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.9 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
145.8 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.23
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 Smithfield, your appliances are currently losing 11% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Smithfield | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -20% |
| Washing Machine | 10.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -13% |
| Water Heater | 12.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -19% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Smithfield compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Smithfield, North Carolina | 84.5 mg/L | 4.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Clayton, North Carolina | 73 mg/L | 3.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Knightdale, North Carolina | 102.5 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Garner, North Carolina | 140 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Goldsboro, North Carolina | 167 mg/L | 8.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Smithfield compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Smithfield | 84.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Smithfield's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Smithfield, North Carolina, in Johnston County — a Johnston County town adjacent to Selma and Clayton on the Neuse River in east-central North Carolina — receives its water from the Town of Smithfield Water system, drawing from the Neuse River through the east-central North Carolina distribution.
The soft 84.5 mg/L hardness and low TDS of 145.8 mg/L reflect the Johnston County Neuse supply's soft character — the Triassic Deep River Basin contributes minor calcareous minerals while the Cretaceous Cape Fear Formation is largely insoluble, producing the typically soft water of North Carolina's Piedmont-Coastal Plain transition zone (compare Selma NC: 82/140 in Johnston County comparable; Clayton NC: 86/150 in Johnston County comparable; Smithfield consistent soft from the same Johnston County Neuse River Triassic-Cretaceous supply). The Neuse watershed at Johnston County — Triassic Deep River Basin (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Cretaceous Cape Fear Formation (insoluble — dilutant), and Quaternary Neuse alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 84.5 mg/L with TDS 146, Smithfield's water is soft — minimal scale buildup, excellent soap lathering. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.4 ppt is moderate — a certified drinking water filter provides added protection. Review the Town of Smithfield's annual water quality report for the latest monitoring data, particularly noting any agricultural runoff impacts on the Neuse River.
Geology & Source: Smithfield in Johnston County draws from the Smithfield Water on the Neuse River (Johnston County, east-central North Carolina) — the Neuse watershed at Johnston County drains Triassic Deep River Basin (slightly calcareous) and Cretaceous Cape Fear Formation (insoluble) — North Carolina Johnston County Neuse River Triassic-Cretaceous supply produces soft water at 84.5 mg/L with TDS 145.8 mg/L.