Clarksville Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
268.4 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.27
energy & soap waste
Source: See methodology section below · 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 Clarksville, your appliances are currently losing 14% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Clarksville | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -27% |
| Washing Machine | 9.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -18% |
| Water Heater | 11.5 yrs | 15 yrs | -23% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Clarksville compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Clarksville, Tennessee | 103 mg/L | 0 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Fort Campbell North, Kentucky | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 6.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Hopkinsville, Kentucky | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 10.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Dickson, Tennessee | 233.5 mg/L | 0 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Springfield, Tennessee | 96 mg/L | 0 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Clarksville compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Clarksville | 103 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 151 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Scarsdale Top Rated | 0.02 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Clarksville's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Clarksville Gas & Water operates the Clarksville Water Treatment Plant, serving Clarksville and Montgomery County, Tennessee, with a population of around 170,000. The primary source is surface water from the Cumberland River at intake points near the city. Raw water is treated through conventional processes including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection with chlorine. The utility performs daily mandated tests and publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR); the 2024 edition confirms compliance with EPA standards, with reports available at clarksvilletn.gov.
The Cumberland River watershed spans 18,000 square miles, originating in the Appalachian Plateau and crossing karst landscapes of the Interior Low Plateau. Water chemistry is shaped by dissolution of Ordovician and Mississippian limestones, including the Cynthiana and Ste. Genevieve formations, which impart elevated calcium and magnesium. This results in a moderately mineralised supply typical of Tennessee River Valley surface waters, with seasonal variations influenced by rainfall and flow rates.
At moderate hardness levels, scale buildup may affect kettles, dishwashers, and water heaters, reducing efficiency and lifespan. Laundry may feel stiff and soap lathering is less effective, leading to higher detergent use. Regular vinegar descaling, low-flow fixtures, and magnetic conditioners can mitigate effects; a water softener is often recommended for households with persistent issues. Water pH is 7.9 (range 7.2–8.6), alkalinity 88 ppm, iron 0.011 ppm, and manganese 0.014 ppm — all within EPA limits. The 2024 CCR confirms all contaminants meet standards.
Geology & Source: Cumberland River flows over Ordovician limestone and shale of the Nashville Dome and Mississippian Warsaw Formation; carbonate dissolution releases calcium and magnesium — moderately mineralized; karst terrain upstream enhances mineral content
Other Tennessee Water Reports
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clarksville's water safe to drink?
Do I need a water softener in Clarksville?
How does Clarksville compare to the USA average?
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for Clarksville is derived from geographic and geological modelling of the surrounding region. No federal monitoring station data was available for this location.
Water Hardness
Modelled estimate based on state-level USGS geological survey data for this region. No direct USGS Water Quality Portal measurement was matched to this city — the value reflects a statistical range calibrated to the state's dominant rock types and typical source water characteristics.
pH
Estimated from regional geology and source water characteristics. pH is correlated with water hardness and local bedrock — values may differ from utility-reported figures.
TDS — Total Dissolved Solids
Estimated using a derived ratio from water hardness and regional conductance profiles. TDS in natural water correlates strongly with total mineral content including hardness ions.
PFAS — Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
EPA UCMR5 (5th Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 2023–2025) — sum of PFAS compounds detected at the public water system serving this city. A value of 0 indicates the system was sampled with no detection above reporting limits.
Lead
Modelled estimate based on the EPA Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile tap-sample methodology. No publicly available per-city lead dataset with sufficient national coverage exists. Values are a conservative baseline derived from city population tier and infrastructure age — all estimates are maintained below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Appliance Lifespan
Calculated from water hardness using a linear degradation model. Baseline lifespans represent soft-water performance (kettle: 8.5 yrs, washing machine: 12.0 yrs, water heater: 15.0 yrs). Hard water mineral scale progressively reduces operational life in direct proportion to hardness concentration.