Water Hardness in Alabama
Across 248 measured cities — with 104 more covered by labeled county-level estimates — Alabama's median tap water hardness is 57.0 mg/L (3.3 gpg): soft on the USGS scale. Below: every covered city, the state's hardest and softest water, and the geology that explains it.
Data updated September 13, 2026. Sources: utility-reported water quality data and USGS/EPA Water Quality Portal samples.
What it costs to soften Alabama water
Water softener cost in Alabama at 3.3 gpg prices the equipment and the installation labour against the plumber wages published for Alabama, and labels every range as modelled or measured rather than leaving you to guess which it is.
Alabama · 3.33 grains per gallon
$940–$1,194
installed, midpoint $1,053 — a 24,000-grain unit, the size 4 people at this hardness need.
Salt and drain water over 10 years: $507–$1,112 — the 3,646,350 grains of hardness this household removes, at the national salt price and water rate whose sources are named below. Filter changes and Service contract are omitted rather than assumed.
Sized for 4 people regenerating every 7 days: 6,993 grains of capacity needed, rounded up to the next common residential size. The median of 248 measured Alabama cities in our hardness dataset. Modelled: the standard build band published for that state at the size this hardness calls for, equipment priced 2026-10-04 against the May 2025 reference period (OEWS M2025). Salt: the median retailer price of 3 retailers, read 2026-10-04, at a declared salt dose per regeneration. Drain water: about 50 gallons per regeneration from a government extension estimate read 2026-10-04, at the 2024 national average water and sewer rate from a government source read 2026-10-04.
Deciding whether it is worth it at all? Start from how much a water softener costs nationally — the same equipment, installation and ten-year ownership breakdown before any state wage adjustment is applied.
Alabama Cities by Hardness Category
Measured cities only — labeled county estimates never enter the category counts or the median.
| Category | Range | Measured cities | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft | 0-60 mg/L | 126 | 50.8% |
| Moderately hard | 60-120 mg/L | 69 | 27.8% |
| Hard | 120-180 mg/L | 42 | 16.9% |
| Very hard | >180 mg/L | 11 | 4.4% |
Hardest and Softest Water in Alabama
Measured values only; labeled county estimates and values under active dispute never rank.
Hardest water in Alabama
- Montevallo — 263.0 mg/L (15.4 gpg), very hard
- Harpersville — 242.0 mg/L (14.2 gpg), very hard
- Wilsonville — 215.0 mg/L (12.6 gpg), very hard
- Calera — 196.0 mg/L (11.5 gpg), very hard
- Irondale — 195.0 mg/L (11.4 gpg), very hard
Softest water in Alabama
- Banks — 0.5 mg/L (0.0 gpg), soft
- Pine Level — 1.2 mg/L (0.1 gpg), soft
- Faunsdale — 1.4 mg/L (0.1 gpg), soft
- Eufaula — 1.8 mg/L (0.1 gpg), soft
- Frankville — 1.9 mg/L (0.1 gpg), soft
Every Covered City in Alabama
All 352 covered Alabama cities, sorted by population served. "County estimate" rows are labeled context values from USGS/EPA Water Quality Portal county sampling — they never enter the median above. City names link to each city's full water quality page.
| City | Hardness (mg/L) | gpg | Category | Data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 76.7 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Mobile | 33.2 | 1.9 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Huntsville | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Montgomery | 38.3 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Tuscaloosa | 32.3 | 1.9 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Dothan | 99.9 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Cullman | 40.0 | 2.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Bessemer | 150.0 | 8.8 | Hard | County estimate |
| Florence | 65.7 | 3.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Decatur | 71.9 | 4.2 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Auburn | 73.0 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Fairhope | 27.3 | 1.6 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Anniston | 62.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Madison | 112.0 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Harvest | 77.5 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Enterprise | 95.4 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Opelika | 21.9 | 1.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Prattville | 22.1 | 1.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Gadsden | 55.9 | 3.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Foley | 17.3 | 1.0 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Alabaster | 193.0 | 11.3 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Northport | 39.6 | 2.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Theodore | 11.1 | 0.7 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Citronelle | 3.4 | 0.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Pelham | 169.0 | 9.9 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Redstone Arsenal | 65.7 | 3.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Gulf Shores | 26.5 | 1.6 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Trussville | 155.0 | 9.1 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Rainsville | 68.7 | 4.0 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Arab | 78.7 | 4.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Daphne | 31.2 | 1.8 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Alexandria | 110.0 | 6.4 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Alexander City | 21.1 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Albertville | 34.0 | 2.0 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Prichard | 34.8 | 2.0 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Bay Minette | 17.9 | 1.1 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Jasper | 51.4 | 3.0 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Oxford | 125.0 | 7.3 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Athens | 111.0 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Somerville | 80.0 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Fort Payne | 126.0 | 7.4 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Calera | 196.0 | 11.5 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Sylacauga | 86.8 | 5.1 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Odenville | 124.0 | 7.3 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Muscle Shoals | 69.4 | 4.1 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Scottsboro | 78.2 | 4.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Hartselle | 80.0 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Troy | 2.1 | 0.1 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Selma | 88.4 | 5.2 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Leeds | 147.0 | 8.6 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Helena | 190.0 | 11.1 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Talladega | 134.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Ozark | 9.1 | 0.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Boaz | 62.7 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Oneonta | 116.0 | 6.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Eufaula | 1.8 | 0.1 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Orange Beach | 11.7 | 0.7 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Dadeville | 11.4 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Vinemont | 40.0 | 2.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Russellville | 111.0 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Douglas | 48.6 | 2.8 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Pell City | 148.0 | 8.7 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Moulton | 87.6 | 5.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Grant | 71.6 | 4.2 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Andalusia | 40.0 | 2.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Tuscumbia | 136.0 | 8.0 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Saraland | 48.2 | 2.8 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Jacksonville | 120.0 | 7.0 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Sheffield | 72.2 | 4.2 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Elmore | 34.8 | 2.0 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Ft Mitchell | 24.2 | 1.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Clanton | 53.2 | 3.1 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Tuskegee | 39.6 | 2.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Loachapoka | 122.0 | 7.1 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Guntersville | 69.2 | 4.0 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Rainbow City | 62.7 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Atmore | 30.5 | 1.8 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Haleyville | 20.0 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Ralph | 20.1 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Jackson | 95.1 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Brookwood | 134.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Columbiana | 128.0 | 7.5 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Southside | 112.0 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Grand Bay | 44.6 | 2.6 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Robertsdale | 11.2 | 0.7 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Elberta | 8.8 | 0.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Demopolis | 4.4 | 0.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Hamilton | 38.2 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Lincoln | 76.3 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Loxley | 24.7 | 1.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Irondale | 195.0 | 11.4 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Wetumpka | 30.0 | 1.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Daleville | 43.3 | 2.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Opp | 111.0 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Monroeville | 7.1 | 0.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Vernon | 40.7 | 2.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Brewton | 85.1 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Childersburg | 157.0 | 9.2 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Montevallo | 263.0 | 15.4 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Linden | 71.5 | 4.2 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Taylor | 62.1 | 3.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Greenville | 8.2 | 0.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Spanish Fort | 31.1 | 1.8 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Graysville | 150.0 | 8.8 | Hard | County estimate |
| Deatsville | 30.0 | 1.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Geneva | 62.1 | 3.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Marbury | 36.4 | 2.1 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Green Pond | 146.0 | 8.5 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Winfield | 34.8 | 2.0 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Attalla | 152.0 | 8.9 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Highland Home | 33.2 | 1.9 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Lapine | 35.4 | 2.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Ramer | 70.0 | 4.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Gilbertown | 25.6 | 1.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Fayette | 53.2 | 3.1 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Bayou La Batre | 46.8 | 2.7 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Piedmont | 113.0 | 6.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Wedowee | 35.7 | 2.1 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Tallassee | 12.4 | 0.7 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Roanoke | 33.5 | 2.0 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Phil Campbell | 101.0 | 5.9 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Satsuma | 29.9 | 1.8 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Lanett | 30.1 | 1.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Valley | 30.1 | 1.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Bakerhill | 36.3 | 2.1 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Centre | 59.0 | 3.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Brent | 150.0 | 8.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Weaver | 183.0 | 10.7 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Cropwell | 106.0 | 6.2 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Glencoe | 168.0 | 9.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Eight Mile | 3.3 | 0.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Locust Fork | 90.0 | 5.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Mulga | 150.0 | 8.8 | Hard | County estimate |
| Margaret | 70.0 | 4.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Hanceville | 141.0 | 8.3 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Double Springs | 20.0 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| New Hope | 103.0 | 6.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Owens Cross Roads | 103.0 | 6.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Springville | 149.0 | 8.7 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Sumiton | 84.8 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Centreville | 132.0 | 7.7 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Snead | 73.8 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Parrish | 84.8 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Dauphin Island | 46.0 | 2.7 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Headland | 173.0 | 10.1 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Fayetteville | 128.0 | 7.5 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Aliceville | 11.3 | 0.7 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Bridgeport | 72.6 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Elba | 105.0 | 6.1 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Hope Hull | 3.1 | 0.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Hokes Bluff | 112.0 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Grove Hill | 9.5 | 0.6 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Rogersville | 41.7 | 2.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Peterman | 10.1 | 0.6 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Millbrook | 12.0 | 0.7 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Eclectic | 30.0 | 1.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Sardis City | 56.7 | 3.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Joppa | 40.0 | 2.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Evergreen | 43.1 | 2.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Oakman | 84.8 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Coker | 68.1 | 4.0 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Berry | 27.7 | 1.6 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Eutaw | 23.3 | 1.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Livingston | 38.6 | 2.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Butler | 2.0 | 0.1 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Greensboro | 22.3 | 1.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Munford | 124.0 | 7.3 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Moundville | 31.5 | 1.8 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Guin | 43.5 | 2.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Hartford | 121.0 | 7.1 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Jemison | 50.0 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Heflin | 24.9 | 1.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Blountsville | 127.0 | 7.4 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Cedar Bluff | 60.0 | 3.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Marion | 93.4 | 5.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| New Brockton | 30.0 | 1.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| West Blocton | 141.0 | 8.3 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Samson | 94.0 | 5.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Ashville | 185.0 | 10.8 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Dora | 150.0 | 8.8 | Hard | County estimate |
| Myrtlewood | 40.6 | 2.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Rockford | 50.0 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Stevenson | 120.0 | 7.0 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Union Springs | 6.3 | 0.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Cordova | 84.8 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Luverne | 24.9 | 1.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Abbeville | 127.0 | 7.4 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Axis | 10.8 | 0.6 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Level Plains | 94.9 | 5.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Ashford | 86.9 | 5.1 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Collinsville | 50.0 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Riverside | 110.0 | 6.4 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Sardis | 40.7 | 2.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Brundidge | 7.0 | 0.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Buhl | 57.1 | 3.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Gordo | 6.9 | 0.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Excel | 24.8 | 1.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Slocomb | 40.6 | 2.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Cottonwood | 139.0 | 8.1 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Lisman | 6.5 | 0.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Cleveland | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Steele | 70.0 | 4.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Thorsby | 23.0 | 1.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Uniontown | 2.9 | 0.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| York | 10.6 | 0.6 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Lineville | 21.0 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Uriah | 7.7 | 0.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Alpine | 127.0 | 7.4 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Quinton | 84.8 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Ragland | 150.0 | 8.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Bear Creek | 12.9 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Carbon Hill | 30.0 | 1.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Sterrett | 80.0 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Valley Head | 138.0 | 8.1 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Wilton | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Florala | 159.0 | 9.3 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| East Brewton | 109.0 | 6.4 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Union Grove | 60.0 | 3.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hayneville | 2.9 | 0.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Lexington | 59.2 | 3.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Ashland | 21.0 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Georgiana | 7.0 | 0.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Midland City | 56.9 | 3.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Notasulga | 34.0 | 2.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Vincent | 111.0 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Coffeeville | 103.0 | 6.0 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Trinity | 87.6 | 5.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Pine Level | 1.2 | 0.1 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Sulligent | 6.4 | 0.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Remlap | 90.0 | 5.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Addison | 20.0 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hayden | 90.0 | 5.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Brookside | 150.0 | 8.8 | Hard | County estimate |
| Goodwater | 50.0 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mexia | 77.6 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Hackleburg | 12.9 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Townley | 84.8 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Flomaton | 35.5 | 2.1 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Hodges | 10.3 | 0.6 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Wilsonville | 215.0 | 12.6 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Reform | 7.3 | 0.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Pine Hill | 50.7 | 3.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Dickinson | 50.0 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Harpersville | 242.0 | 14.2 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Cowarts | 106.0 | 6.2 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Fort Deposit | 139.0 | 8.1 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Newton | 109.0 | 6.4 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Millry | 7.6 | 0.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Kinston | 99.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Frisco City | 38.8 | 2.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Nauvoo | 84.8 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Clayton | 34.2 | 2.0 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Chatom | 69.1 | 4.0 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Kinsey | 130.0 | 7.6 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Mosses | 39.1 | 2.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Crossville | 73.3 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Cherokee | 86.0 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Ranburne | 15.5 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Kellyton | 50.0 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Lynn | 20.0 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mount Vernon | 32.5 | 1.9 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Mt. Vernon | 32.5 | 1.9 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Summerdale | 27.3 | 1.6 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Webb | 129.0 | 7.5 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Fruitdale | 7.6 | 0.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Leroy | 16.6 | 1.0 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Malvern | 109.0 | 6.4 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Eldridge | 4.7 | 0.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Ohatchee | 90.0 | 5.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Brilliant | 46.3 | 2.7 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Silverhill | 14.5 | 0.8 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Town Creek | 87.6 | 5.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Millerville | 21.0 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Tibbie | 7.6 | 0.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Camp Hill | 11.4 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Glen Allen | 8.2 | 0.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Ardmore | 67.5 | 4.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Autaugaville | 5.6 | 0.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Billingsley | 54.6 | 3.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Brantley | 35.4 | 2.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Woodland | 15.0 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Falkville | 80.0 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Millport | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Louisville | 20.0 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Pisgah | 54.6 | 3.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Pinckard | 8.2 | 0.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Vina | 101.0 | 5.9 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Carrollton | 40.2 | 2.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Jack | 181.0 | 10.6 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Hollins | 21.0 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Banks | 0.5 | 0.0 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Ariton | 172.0 | 10.1 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Walnut Grove | 96.9 | 5.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Leighton | 60.5 | 3.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| White Hall | 8.3 | 0.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Hurtsboro | 30.0 | 1.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Columbia | 19.4 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| McKenzie | 39.9 | 2.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Wadley | 20.0 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Altoona | 118.0 | 6.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Gurley | 103.0 | 6.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Forkland | 2.9 | 0.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Maplesville | 50.0 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Randolph | 69.3 | 4.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Lowndesboro | 7.9 | 0.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Castleberry | 116.0 | 6.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Pennington | 2.7 | 0.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Midway | 4.3 | 0.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| River Falls | 24.5 | 1.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Thomaston | 14.2 | 0.8 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Frankville | 1.9 | 0.1 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Newville | 193.0 | 11.3 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Riverview | 74.5 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Rutledge | 81.6 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Belk | 30.0 | 1.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Reece City | 88.5 | 5.2 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Red Level | 65.9 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Allgood | 106.8 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Gantt | 22.9 | 1.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Garden City | 40.0 | 2.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| St. Stephens | 95.6 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Kennedy | 48.0 | 2.8 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Lockhart | 127.0 | 7.4 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Daviston | 11.4 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Clio | 20.0 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Dozier | 166.0 | 9.7 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Beatrice | 10.2 | 0.6 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Cuba | 54.3 | 3.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Shorterville | 19.4 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Fulton | 128.0 | 7.5 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Akron | 49.0 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Goshen | 83.2 | 4.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Repton | 123.0 | 7.2 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Detroit | 5.3 | 0.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Orrville | 4.3 | 0.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Faunsdale | 1.4 | 0.1 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Gordon | 154.0 | 9.0 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Black | 107.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Kansas | 84.8 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Tanner | 71.4 | 4.2 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Glenwood | 20.0 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Pollard | 74.8 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Franklin | 45.5 | 2.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Coosada | 30.0 | 1.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Cottondale | 50.0 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Fort Rucker | 25.1 | 1.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Ider | 50.0 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Pike Road | 70.0 | 4.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Point Clear | 30.0 | 1.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Shelby | 80.0 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Vance | 50.0 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Woodstock | 69.3 | 4.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
Above 120 mg/L (7 gpg), scale is usually worth treating — see our water softener guide, or size a system with the hardness calculator & converter.
The Geology Behind Alabama's Water Hardness
Alabama sits in the Southeastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont region.
Much of the Southeast draws its water from sandy Coastal Plain aquifers and from rivers draining crystalline Piedmont rock - neither contributes much dissolved calcium or magnesium. As a result the USGS maps most of the region as soft to moderately hard. Hardness climbs where supplies tap deeper limestone units near the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
Alabama Water Hardness FAQ
Does Alabama have hard water?
On the whole, no — Alabama's statewide median sits below the hard threshold, though some cities run harder. The median is 57.0 mg/L (3.3 gpg) — soft on the USGS scale, where anything above 120 mg/L (7 gpg) counts as hard. 53 of Alabama's 248 measured cities fall in the hard or very hard bands (21%), so check your own city rather than the state average.
How hard is tap water in Alabama?
Across the 248 Alabama cities with measured values in our index, the median hardness is 57.0 mg/L (3.3 gpg) — soft on the USGS scale. Individual cities range from 0.5 to 263.0 mg/L, so check your own city rather than assuming the state number.
Which city in Alabama has the hardest water?
Montevallo has the hardest measured tap water in our Alabama index at 263.0 mg/L (15.4 gpg) — very hard on the USGS scale. Rankings use measured utility values only; labeled county estimates and values under active dispute are excluded.
Do I need a water softener in Alabama?
53 of Alabama's 248 measured cities (21%) fall in the hard or very hard bands — above 120 mg/L (7 gpg), the level where most water treatment professionals suggest considering an ion-exchange softener. Hardness varies utility to utility, so look up your own city's value before sizing equipment.
How do I find my city's exact water hardness?
Enter your ZIP code in our free lookup at tapwaterdata.com/zip to see the value we hold for your Alabama city from utility-reported water quality data, check your water utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), or use a home test-strip kit.
Need whole-house or professional water treatment?
For the problems a pitcher or under-sink filter cannot fix — scale, rust and black staining, sulfur smell, well contamination, or test results you cannot explain. Tell us what is happening and we will connect you with a local water-treatment professional.
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