Middle Valley Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.7 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
154.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.26
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 Middle Valley, your appliances are currently losing 13% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Middle Valley | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.4 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -25% |
| Washing Machine | 10 yrs | 12 yrs | -17% |
| Water Heater | 11.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -22% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Middle Valley compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Middle Valley, Tennessee | 98 mg/L | 3.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee | 202 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| East Chattanooga, Tennessee | 195.5 mg/L | 6.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| East Ridge, Tennessee | 206 mg/L | 6.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Chattanooga, Tennessee | 233.5 mg/L | 7.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Middle Valley compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Middle Valley | 98 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
Bring Badger-quality water to your Middle Valley home
Shop water softeners on Amazon.com →
What Makes Middle Valley's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Middle Valley, Tennessee, in Hamilton County — a Hamilton County unincorporated community adjacent to Hixson and Soddy-Daisy on the Tennessee River in southeast Tennessee — receives its water from the Tennessee American Water, drawing from the Tennessee River or Chickamauga Lake (Hamilton County) through the southeast Tennessee distribution.
The moderately soft 98 mg/L hardness and TDS of 154.1 mg/L reflect the southeast Tennessee Hamilton County Tennessee River supply's moderate character — the Cumberland Plateau's Pennsylvanian insoluble formations contribute dilution, while the Mississippian Bangor Limestone adds moderate calcareous hardness, consistent with the Chattanooga area communities (compare Soddy-Daisy TN: 109 mg/L on the same Hamilton County supply; Middle Valley comparable). The Tennessee River at Hamilton County — Mississippian Bangor Limestone (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Pennsylvanian Gizzard Formation (insoluble — dilutant), and Quaternary Tennessee River alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 98 mg/L, Middle Valley's water is moderately soft — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and no softening is needed. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 3.2 ppt is relatively low — warrants routine monitoring but no urgent filtration.
Geology & Source: Middle Valley in Hamilton County draws from the Tennessee American Water on Chickamauga Lake (Hamilton County, southeast Tennessee) — the Tennessee River at Hamilton County drains the Cumberland Plateau (Pennsylvanian Gizzard Formation — insoluble) and Mississippian Bangor Limestone (calcareous) — Tennessee Hamilton County Chickamauga Lake Pennsylvanian-Mississippian calcareous supply produces moderately soft water at 98 mg/L with TDS 154.1 mg/L.