How does Live Oak's water compare to the national average?

The USA national average is 151 mg/L. Live Oak (≈ 180+ mg/L) is 189 mg/L harder than average.

Live Oak Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

very hard

180+ mg/L

Very Hard

estimated · not lab-verified

Source

groundwater

pH Level

7.2

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.005 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

337 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

$0.91

energy & soap waste

Source: See methodology section below · Updated 2026

very hard180+ mg/LVery Hard · est.

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 Live Oak, your appliances are currently losing 45% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

Appliance	In Live Oak	Soft Water City	Efficiency Loss
Kettle	4.7 yrs	8.5 yrs	-45%
Washing Machine	6.6 yrs	12 yrs	-45%
Water Heater	8.3 yrs	15 yrs	-45%

Regional Water Comparison

How Live Oak compares to its nearest neighbours

City	Hardness	PFAS (ppt)	Risk	Source
▶ Live Oak, Texas	≈ 180+ mg/L	0 ppt	🔴 Very Hard	groundwater
Universal City, Texas	251 mg/L	0 ppt	🔴 Very Hard	groundwater
Converse, Texas	≈ 180+ mg/L	0 ppt	🔴 Very Hard	reservoir
Schertz, Texas	≈ 120–179 mg/L	0 ppt	🟠 Hard	groundwater
Cibolo, Texas	≈ 120–179 mg/L	5.4 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir

National Benchmark

How Live Oak compares to the USA average

Benchmark	Hardness	Appliance Risk
▶ Live Oak	≈ 180+ mg/L	🔴 High
USA National Avg	151 mg/L	🟠 Moderate
Scarsdale Top Rated	0.02 mg/L	🟢 None

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What Makes Live Oak's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: GroundwaterTDS: 337 mg/LpH: 7.2

The City of Live Oak Public Works Department provides drinking water to about 15,000 residents in Live Oak County, Texas, and the San Antonio metropolitan area. The water originates from groundwater within the Gulf Coast Aquifer system, specifically the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer. While specific treatment plant names aren't available, the supply is drawn from wells tapping into confined sand aquifers. This groundwater basin is a key resource for the region.

The Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, part of the larger Gulf Coast Aquifer system, is characterized by Eocene to Pliocene sedimentary rocks. These layers consist of alternating permeable sands and impermeable clays, generally striking north-northeast and dipping toward the coast. The sands, influenced by underlying limestone formations, leach calcium and magnesium, resulting in a hard water supply. This geological makeup means the water picks up dissolved minerals as it flows through these formations.

Homeowners will likely notice significant scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines due to this very hard water. This not only reduces the efficiency of these appliances and raises energy costs but also shortens their lifespan. You might also find that soap lathers poorly, showers leave a film, and fixtures spot easily. While regular descaling, vinegar rinses, and low-flow aerators can help, installing a water softener is strongly recommended to prevent damage and improve the water's usability. The city's 2020 report indicates compliance with primary standards.

Geology & Source: Gulf Coast Aquifer; Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer; Eocene to Pliocene sedimentary formations; limestone-influenced sands contribute to hardness

Other Texas Water Reports

Universal City

251 mg/L

🔴 Very Hard

Converse

≈ 180+ mg/L

🔴 Very Hard

Schertz

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Cibolo

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Report an Issue

Notice an error or missing data? Help us keep this page accurate. If you spot incorrect water hardness, outdated utility info, or missing details, please let us know.

All reports are reviewed by our team. Thank you for supporting data quality!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Live Oak's water safe to drink?

Yes. Live Oak's water meets all federal safety standards. The hardness is ≈ 180+ 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 Live Oak?

At ≈ 180+ mg/L (Very Hard), Live Oak'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 45%.

How does Live Oak compare to the USA average?

The USA national average is 151 mg/L. Live Oak (≈ 180+ mg/L) is 189 mg/L above the national average. The softest major city is Scarsdale at just 0.02 mg/L.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for Live Oak is derived from geographic and geological modelling of the surrounding region. No federal monitoring station data was available for this location.

Estimated

Water Hardness

Modelled estimate based on state-level USGS geological survey data for this region. No direct USGS Water Quality Portal measurement was matched to this city — the value reflects a statistical range calibrated to the state's dominant rock types and typical source water characteristics.

Estimated

Estimated from regional geology and source water characteristics. pH is correlated with water hardness and local bedrock — values may differ from utility-reported figures.

Estimated

TDS — Total Dissolved Solids

Estimated using a derived ratio from water hardness and regional conductance profiles. TDS in natural water correlates strongly with total mineral content including hardness ions.

Measured

PFAS — Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

EPA UCMR5 (5th Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 2023–2025) — sum of PFAS compounds detected at the public water system serving this city. A value of 0 indicates the system was sampled with no detection above reporting limits.

Modelled

Lead

Modelled estimate based on the EPA Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile tap-sample methodology. No publicly available per-city lead dataset with sufficient national coverage exists. Values are a conservative baseline derived from city population tier and infrastructure age — all estimates are maintained below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.

Calculated

Appliance Lifespan

Calculated from water hardness using a linear degradation model. Baseline lifespans represent soft-water performance (kettle: 8.5 yrs, washing machine: 12.0 yrs, water heater: 15.0 yrs). Hard water mineral scale progressively reduces operational life in direct proportion to hardness concentration.