Cleburne Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The City of Cleburne Utilities provides water to over 31,000 residents in Johnson County, Texas, serving historic downtown, neighborhoods near Cleburne State Park, and surrounding areas. Primary sources include groundwater from local aquifers and surface water, treated at city facilities to meet federal standards. Annual Consumer Confidence Reports are published on the official city website; Utility Billing can be reached at 817-645-0946 for concerns.

The water supply draws from the Upper Brazos River basin, with recharge zones over Cretaceous-era formations including Trinity Group sands and limestones. The local aquifer system — encompassing the Woodbine and Trinity aquifers — leaches minerals from soluble limestone and chalk layers, yielding a hard supply characterized by elevated calcium and magnesium. Johnson County's karst geology and proximity to the Edwards Plateau fringes contribute bicarbonates from fossiliferous limestones, typical of Central Texas groundwater chemistry, producing naturally mineralized water rather than soft precipitation-fed sources.

Hard water in Cleburne leads to scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, reducing efficiency and lifespan — hot water heaters fail prematurely and laundry can feel stiff. Regular vinegar descaling helps, but a water softener is recommended to prevent limescale and extend equipment life. City testing detects 13 contaminants including arsenic, chromium-6, and disinfection byproducts — all compliant with EPA legal limits; hardness measures 8.5 grains per gallon from limestone leaching; no specific PFAS noted in available reports.