Chattanooga Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Tennessee American Water operates the Citico Water Treatment Plant (PWSID: TN0000107), which serves the Chattanooga area and portions of north Georgia. The utility draws surface water from the Tennessee River at an average rate of 40 million gallons per day. The Citico WTP is the primary treatment facility for this service area, providing treated water to residents throughout the greater Chattanooga region.

Chattanooga's water supply originates from the Tennessee River, which flows through the Cumberland Plateau and Eastern Highland Rim—regions underlain by Paleozoic limestone and dolomite formations. These carbonate rock layers dissolve in water, releasing dissolved calcium and magnesium ions that characterize the supply as moderately soft. The geology of the Tennessee River watershed naturally produces water with elevated mineral content compared to areas underlain by sandstone or shale aquifers.

At moderately soft levels, Chattanooga residents may notice some scale buildup on fixtures and slightly reduced soap lathering, though effects are less severe than in hard-water regions. Appliances such as water heaters and dishwashers may accumulate mineral deposits over time. A water softener is recommended for households concerned about scale or those with sensitive skin or hair; regular descaling of kettles and showerheads helps manage deposits. The Citico WTP maintains chlorine disinfection at a minimum monthly average residual of 2.00 mg/L; pH ranges from 6.9–7.4. Fluoride is added at 0.61–0.80 mg/L (average 0.73 mg/L) for dental health. Sodium levels are low at 3.8–4.6 mg/L, and all parameters meet or exceed EPA and state standards.