Buda Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
7.7 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
288.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.35
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 Buda, your appliances are currently losing 17% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Buda | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -38% |
| Washing Machine | 8.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -27% |
| Water Heater | 10.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -31% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Buda compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Buda, Texas | 131 mg/L | 5.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Kyle, Texas | 147.5 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Austin, Texas | 215 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| University of Texas, Texas | 327 mg/L | 10 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| San Marcos, Texas | 440 mg/L | 4.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Buda compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Buda | 131 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Buda's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Buda, Texas, in Hays County — a Hays County city adjacent to Kyle and San Marcos on the I-35 corridor south of Austin — receives its water from Buda Utilities or Hays County MUD, drawing from the Edwards Aquifer or Onion Creek watershed (Hays County) through the central Texas distribution.
The moderately hard 131 mg/L hardness and TDS of 288.1 mg/L reflect the central Texas Hays County supply's moderate calcareous character — softer than the deeper Edwards Aquifer communities (Boerne: 140 mg/L) but reflecting the same Cretaceous Edwards Limestone dissolution that characterizes the Texas Hill Country-Balcones Escarpment zone. The Edwards Aquifer at Hays County — Cretaceous Edwards Limestone (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Cretaceous Glen Rose Limestone (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Cambrian Ellenburger Dolomite (dolomitic — minor contributor).
At 131 mg/L, Buda's water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need periodic cleaning. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.8 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Hays County central Texas I-35 corridor and Randolph Air Force Base (Bexar County — AFFF, regional) contribute to Buda's readings.
Geology & Source: Buda in Hays County draws from the Buda Utilities or Hays County MUD on the Onion Creek watershed or Edwards Aquifer (Hays County, central Texas) — the Edwards Aquifer at Hays County is developed in Cretaceous Edwards Limestone (highly calcareous) and Cambrian Ellenburger Dolomite — Texas Hays County Edwards Aquifer-Onion Creek Cretaceous calcareous watershed produces moderately hard water at 131 mg/L with TDS 288.1 mg/L.