Know Your Water Hardness

Overview:

Water hardness is determined by the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium naturally present in the water supply. These minerals are safe to consume, but they can affect appliance performance, soap usage, and water softener settings throughout your home.

Understanding Georgetown’s Water Hardness

As water travels through soil and rock, it naturally dissolves small amounts of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These dissolved minerals create what is commonly called “hard water.” Because water is an excellent natural solvent, mineral levels can vary depending on the water source and treatment plant serving your area.

Hardness is commonly measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or converted to grains per gallon, which is the standard measurement used for water softeners and many household appliances.

Georgetown Water Hardness Levels

Based on historical data from Georgetown Utility Systems, hardness levels vary by treatment plant system:

• Lake Georgetown and Southlake WTP:
  176–178 mg/L CaCO3
  Approximately 10–11 grains per gallon

• Park Plant and Southside WTP:
  309–320 mg/L CaCO3
  Approximately 19 grains per gallon

According to classifications established by the United States Geological Survey (USGS):

• Soft: 0–60 mg/L CaCO3

• Moderately Hard: 61–120 mg/L CaCO3

• Hard: 121–180 mg/L CaCO3

• Very Hard: Greater than 181 mg/L CaCO3

This means Georgetown’s water supply ranges from hard to very hard, depending on the source serving your location.

Why Water Hardness Matters

Hard water is not a health concern, but it can impact everyday household activities and equipment. Mineral buildup may reduce efficiency in appliances such as:

• Dishwashers

• Washing machines

• Water heaters

• Coffee makers and ice machines

Manufacturers often recommend appliance settings based on local water hardness. Hard water may also require:

• More soap or detergent for cleaning

• Routine descaling of fixtures and appliances

• Water softener adjustments to improve efficiency

Testing Your Water at Home

Water hardness can be tested at home using simple kits available at hardware stores, home improvement centers, pool supply stores, or online retailers. Testing your water helps confirm local conditions and fine-tune appliance or water softener settings.

• Types available: Test strips and liquid drop (titration) kits are the most common

• What you’ll see: A color change or drop count that corresponds to hardness levels

• Results shown in: Grains per gallon (gpg) or milligrams per liter (mg/L as CaCO3)

Georgetown Water Mineral Information

Recent mineral content data for Georgetown’s water supply includes:

• Calcium: 44.8 - 95.5 mg/L

• Magnesium: 11.5 - 19.7 mg/L

• Sodium: 20.4 - 30.4 mg/L

• Sulfate: 29 - 38 mg/L

• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 284 - 419 mg/L

• Alkalinity: 133 - 270 mg/L

These naturally occurring minerals contribute to the overall hardness and character of the community water supply.

Learn More

This information is provided by Georgetown Utilities. For questions about your water service or water quality, contact the Customer Care Center at (512) 930-3640.

Additional information is available in the City of Georgetown’s annual Water Utility Reports.