How does Collegedale's water compare to the national average?

The USA national average is 150 mg/L. Collegedale at 192 mg/L is 42 mg/L harder than average.

Collegedale Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

192mg/L

Very Hard

11.2 grains per gallon

Source

reservoir

pH Level

8.2

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.006 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

445.5 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

$0.51

energy & soap waste

Source: USGS Water Quality Portal · Updated 2026

192mg/L as CaCO₃Very Hard

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 Collegedale, your appliances are currently losing 26% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

Appliance	In Collegedale	Soft Water City	Efficiency Loss
Kettle	3.3 yrs	8.5 yrs	-61%
Washing Machine	6.5 yrs	12 yrs	-46%
Water Heater	7.9 yrs	15 yrs	-47%

Regional Water Comparison

How Collegedale compares to its nearest neighbours

City	Hardness	PFAS (ppt)	Risk	Source
▶ Collegedale, Tennessee	192 mg/L	6.4 ppt	🔴 Very Hard	reservoir
East Brainerd, Tennessee	195.5 mg/L	6.5 ppt	🔴 Very Hard	reservoir
Middle Valley, Tennessee	98 mg/L	3.2 ppt	🟡 Moderately Hard	reservoir
East Chattanooga, Tennessee	195.5 mg/L	6.5 ppt	🔴 Very Hard	reservoir
Cleveland, Tennessee	155 mg/L	5.2 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir

National Benchmark

How Collegedale compares to the USA average

Benchmark	Hardness	Appliance Risk
▶ Collegedale	192 mg/L	🔴 High
USA National Avg	150 mg/L	🟠 Moderate
Badger Top Rated	8.5 mg/L	🟢 None

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What Makes Collegedale's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: ReservoirTDS: 445.5 mg/LpH: 8.2

Collegedale, Tennessee, in Hamilton County — a Hamilton County city adjacent to Chattanooga and East Ridge on the west bank of the Tennessee River in southeast Tennessee — receives its water from Tennessee American Water, drawing from the Tennessee River through the southeast Tennessee distribution.

The hard 192 mg/L hardness and TDS of 445.5 mg/L reflect the Hamilton County supply's hard Valley and Ridge character — the Cambrian Knox Group and Ordovician Nashville Formation are calcareous-dolomitic formations in the Tennessee Valley and Ridge Province, contributing hard dissolved mineral content to the Tennessee River corridor (compare Chattanooga TN: 188/436 in Hamilton County comparable; East Ridge TN: 195/455 in Hamilton County comparable; Collegedale consistent hard from the same Hamilton County Tennessee River Cambrian calcareous supply). The Tennessee River — Cambrian Knox Group (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Ordovician Nashville Formation (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Tennessee River alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).

At 192 mg/L with TDS 446, Collegedale's water is hard — scale builds in appliances. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 6.4 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter. Review Tennessee American Water's annual water quality report.

Geology & Source: Collegedale in Hamilton County draws from the Tennessee American Water on the Tennessee River (Hamilton County, southeast Tennessee) — the Tennessee River draws from Cambrian Knox Group (calcareous) and Ordovician Nashville Formation (calcareous) — Tennessee Hamilton County Tennessee River Cambrian calcareous supply produces hard water at 192 mg/L with TDS 445.5 mg/L.

Other Tennessee Water Reports

East Brainerd

195.5 mg/L

🔴 Very Hard

Middle Valley

98 mg/L

🟡 Moderately Hard

East Chattanooga

195.5 mg/L

🔴 Very Hard

Cleveland

155 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Collegedale's water safe to drink?

Yes. Collegedale's water meets all federal safety standards. The hardness is 192 mg/L (Very Hard), which is safe to drink. High hardness affects appliances and taste, but poses no health risk.

Do I need a water softener in Collegedale?

At 192 mg/L (Very Hard), Collegedale's water will cause significant limescale on kettles, washing machines, and water heaters. A water softener or descaler is strongly recommended to extend appliance lifespan and reduce energy bills by up to 26%.

How does Collegedale compare to the USA average?

The USA national average is 150 mg/L. Collegedale at 192 mg/L is 42 mg/L above the national average. The softest major city is Badger at just 8.5 mg/L.