Water Hardness in Memphis, Tennessee
The water hardness in Memphis, TN is 60 ppm (3.5 grains per gallon), which is classified as Soft . Water in Memphis is supplied by Memphis Light Gas and Water and comes primarily from underground aquifer and well water sources. No water softening treatment is needed. Memphis residents enjoy naturally soft water that is gentle on plumbing, appliances, and skin.
Water Quality Details for Memphis, TN
What 60 PPM Means for Your Home in Memphis
At 60 ppm, Memphis's water is classified as soft. This is excellent news for homeowners. Soft water lathers easily with soap and shampoo, leaves no mineral spots on dishes or glassware, and causes no scale buildup in your plumbing or water heater. Your appliances will operate at peak efficiency and enjoy their full expected lifespan. Laundry washed in soft water comes out cleaner and softer, and you will use significantly less soap, shampoo, and detergent than households with hard water. There is no need to invest in any water softening or conditioning equipment.
Water Source and Treatment at Memphis Light Gas and Water
Memphis's water is supplied by Memphis Light Gas and Water and sourced primarily from underground aquifers accessed through deep wells. Groundwater has been naturally filtered through rock and soil, which makes it generally free of biological contaminants but higher in dissolved minerals. The 60 ppm hardness in Memphis results from water percolating through limestone, chalk, or dolomite formations underground, dissolving calcium and magnesium along the way. The water has a pH of 7.1, which is near neutral, and total dissolved solids of 90 ppm (low).
Estimated Cost of Hard Water in Memphis
With soft water at 60 ppm, Memphis residents enjoy minimal costs associated with water hardness. There is no need for a water softener, and your appliances, plumbing, and fixtures will operate efficiently without mineral-related issues. You can use the manufacturer-recommended amounts of soap, shampoo, and detergent without needing extra.
Other Cities in Tennessee
Compare Memphis's water hardness with other cities in Tennessee. Water hardness can vary significantly within a state depending on local geology and water sources.
| City | Hardness (PPM) | GPG | Level | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | 60 ppm | 3.5 | Soft | Ground |
| Murfreesboro | 170 ppm | 9.9 | Moderately Hard | Ground |
| Franklin | 145 ppm | 8.5 | Moderately Hard | Ground |
| Clarksville | 110 ppm | 6.4 | Slightly Hard | Surface |
| Nashville | 100 ppm | 5.8 | Slightly Hard | Surface |
| Knoxville | 90 ppm | 5.3 | Slightly Hard | Surface |
| Chattanooga | 80 ppm | 4.7 | Slightly Hard | Surface |
| Johnson City | 65 ppm | 3.8 | Slightly Hard | Surface |
Test Your Water for Accurate Results
The hardness value shown for Memphis (60 ppm) is based on the most recent available data from Memphis Light Gas and Water. Your actual water hardness may vary depending on your neighborhood, the age of your plumbing, and seasonal changes in water supply. For the most accurate measurement, we recommend testing your tap water with a home test kit or requesting a current water quality report from Memphis Light Gas and Water. Visit our hardness scale guide to understand what your test results mean, or explore all treatment solutions to find the right option for your home.