Clinton Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
9.6 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
340.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.44
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 Clinton, your appliances are currently losing 22% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Clinton | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -51% |
| Washing Machine | 7.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -37% |
| Water Heater | 9.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -39% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Clinton compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Clinton, Tennessee | 163.5 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Oak Ridge, Tennessee | 94 mg/L | 3.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Farragut, Tennessee | 157 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Knoxville, Tennessee | 169 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Maryville, Tennessee | 153.5 mg/L | 5.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Clinton compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Clinton | 163.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Clinton's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Clinton, Tennessee, in Anderson County — the Anderson County seat adjacent to Oak Ridge and Lake City on the Clinch River/Norris Lake in east Tennessee — receives its water from the City of Clinton Water Department, drawing from Norris Lake through the east Tennessee distribution.
The hard 163.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 340.9 mg/L reflect the Anderson County supply's hard east Tennessee Valley calcareous character — the Ordovician Knox Group and Cambrian Rome Formation are calcareous-slightly calcareous formations in the east Tennessee Valley and Ridge; the Clinch River at Norris Lake acquires substantial dissolved mineral content from its east Tennessee Appalachian carbonate drainage (compare Oak Ridge TN: 159/330 in Anderson County comparable; Lake City TN: 167/352 in Anderson County comparable; Clinton consistent hard from the same Anderson County Norris Lake Ordovician calcareous supply). The Norris Lake/Clinch River — Ordovician Knox Group (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Cambrian Rome Formation (slightly calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Clinch River alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 163.5 mg/L with TDS 341, Clinton's water is hard — scale builds in appliances. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.4 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter. Review the City of Clinton's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Clinton in Anderson County draws from the Clinton Water on the Norris Lake/Clinch River supply (Anderson County, east Tennessee) — the Tennessee Valley at Anderson County draws from Ordovician Knox Group (calcareous) and Cambrian Rome Formation (slightly calcareous) — Tennessee Anderson County Norris Lake Ordovician calcareous supply produces hard water at 163.5 mg/L with TDS 340.9 mg/L.