Marietta Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.2 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
164 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.28
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 Marietta, your appliances are currently losing 14% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Marietta | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.1 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -28% |
| Washing Machine | 9.7 yrs | 12 yrs | -19% |
| Water Heater | 11.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -24% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Marietta compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Marietta, Ohio | 106 mg/L | 4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Parkersburg, West Virginia | 103.5 mg/L | 5.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Athens, Ohio | 159 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Zanesville, Ohio | 169 mg/L | 6.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Wheeling, West Virginia | 197 mg/L | 8.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Marietta compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Marietta | 106 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Marietta's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Marietta, Ohio, in Washington County — the Washington County seat at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers adjacent to Parkersburg WV in southeast Ohio — receives its water from the Marietta Water Division, drawing from the Ohio River (Washington County) through the southeast Ohio distribution.
The moderately hard 106 mg/L hardness and TDS of 164 mg/L are softer than the western Ohio communities (Maumee: 233.5 mg/L) — reflecting the southeast Ohio Ohio River supply's less calcareous character, driven by the Appalachian Plateau's Devonian shale and Pennsylvanian sandstone-dominated watershed with less dolomite input than the western Ohio Silurian dolomite plain. The Ohio River at Washington County drains the Appalachian Plateau — Devonian Ohio Shale (slightly calcareous — primary contributor), Pennsylvanian Pottsville sandstone (insoluble — dilutant), and Mississippian Berea Sandstone (insoluble).
At 106 mg/L, Marietta's water is moderately hard — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need occasional cleaning. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.0 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Washington County southeast Ohio industrial corridor and the Ohio River upstream industrial PFAS legacy contribute to Marietta's readings.
Geology & Source: Marietta in Washington County draws from the Marietta Water Division on the Ohio River (Washington County, southeast Ohio) — the Ohio River at Washington County drains the Appalachian Plateau (Devonian Ohio Shale — slightly calcareous, Mississippian Berea Sandstone — insoluble) — Ohio Washington County Ohio River Appalachian Plateau Devonian calcareous watershed produces moderately hard water at 106 mg/L with TDS 164 mg/L.