Martin Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.1 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
267.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.37
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 Martin, your appliances are currently losing 18% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Martin | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -41% |
| Washing Machine | 8.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -29% |
| Water Heater | 10.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -33% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Martin compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Martin, Tennessee | 138.5 mg/L | 4.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Union City, Tennessee | 212 mg/L | 7.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Mayfield, Kentucky | 209.5 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Paris, Tennessee | 170.5 mg/L | 5.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Murray, Kentucky | 157.5 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Martin compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Martin | 138.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
Bring Badger-quality water to your Martin home
Shop water softeners on Amazon.com →
What Makes Martin's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Martin, Tennessee, in Weakley County — the Weakley County seat adjacent to Dresden and Union City in northwest Tennessee, home of University of Tennessee Martin — receives its water from Martin Utilities, drawing from the Weakley County Reservoir through the northwest Tennessee distribution.
The moderately hard 138.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 267.3 mg/L reflect the Weakley County supply's moderate West Tennessee character — the Cretaceous McNairy Formation and Quaternary Tennessee Coastal Plain sediment contribute calcareous mineral content from the west Tennessee Gulf Coastal Plain geology (compare Dresden TN: 135/260 in Weakley County comparable; Union City TN: 141/274 in Obion County comparable; Martin consistent moderate from the same Weakley County Reservoir Cretaceous supply). The Weakley County watershed — Cretaceous McNairy Formation (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Quaternary Tennessee Coastal Plain sediment (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Weakley County alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 138.5 mg/L with TDS 267, Martin's water is moderately hard — mild scale buildup. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.7 ppt is moderate — a certified drinking water filter provides added protection. Review Martin Utilities' annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Martin in Weakley County draws from the Martin Utilities on the Weakley County Reservoir (Weakley County, northwest Tennessee) — the watershed drains Cretaceous McNairy Formation (slightly calcareous) and Quaternary Tennessee Coastal Plain sediment (calcareous) — Tennessee Weakley County Reservoir Cretaceous supply produces moderately hard water at 138.5 mg/L with TDS 267.3 mg/L.