Water Hardness in Arkansas
Across 126 measured cities — with 248 more covered by labeled county-level estimates — Arkansas's median tap water hardness is 37.9 mg/L (2.2 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 Arkansas water
Water softener cost in Arkansas at 2.2 gpg prices the equipment and the installation labour against the plumber wages published for Arkansas, and labels every range as modelled or measured rather than leaving you to guess which it is.
Arkansas · 2.22 grains per gallon
$916–$1,126
installed, midpoint $1,010 — a 24,000-grain unit, the size 4 people at this hardness need.
Salt and drain water over 10 years: $441–$1,034 — the 2,430,900 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: 4,662 grains of capacity needed, rounded up to the next common residential size. The median of 126 measured Arkansas 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.
Arkansas 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 | 84 | 66.7% |
| Moderately hard | 60-120 mg/L | 17 | 13.5% |
| Hard | 120-180 mg/L | 13 | 10.3% |
| Very hard | >180 mg/L | 12 | 9.5% |
Hardest and Softest Water in Arkansas
Measured values only; labeled county estimates and values under active dispute never rank.
Hardest water in Arkansas
- Forrest City — 309.6 mg/L (18.1 gpg), very hard
- Madison — 309.6 mg/L (18.1 gpg), very hard
- Horseshoe Bend — 302.7 mg/L (17.7 gpg), very hard
- Colt — 296.9 mg/L (17.4 gpg), very hard
- Ash Flat — 274.0 mg/L (16.0 gpg), very hard
Softest water in Arkansas
- Norphlet — 1.4 mg/L (0.1 gpg), soft
- El Dorado — 1.8 mg/L (0.1 gpg), soft
- Anthonyville — 2.6 mg/L (0.1 gpg), soft
- Edmondson — 2.6 mg/L (0.1 gpg), soft
- Proctor — 2.6 mg/L (0.1 gpg), soft
Every Covered City in Arkansas
All 374 covered Arkansas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cammack Village | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Gibson | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Landmark | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Little Rock | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Maumelle | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| McAlmont | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| North Little Rock | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Roland | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Sherwood | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Sweet Home | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Wrightsville | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Farmington | 76.6 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Fayetteville | 76.6 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Goshen | 76.6 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Greenland | 76.6 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Johnson | 76.6 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Lowell | 107.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Springdale | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Hot Springs | 29.3 | 1.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Lake Hamilton | 29.3 | 1.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Piney | 29.3 | 1.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Rockwell | 29.3 | 1.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Fort Smith | 35.4 | 2.1 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Bay | 75.3 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Jonesboro | 59.5 | 3.5 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Little Flock | 67.4 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Prairie Creek | 67.4 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Rogers | 67.4 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Conway | 24.1 | 1.4 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Bella Vista | 107.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Bentonville | 54.9 | 3.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Bryant | 49.8 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Paragould | 33.0 | 1.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Benton | 57.2 | 3.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Jacksonville | 37.0 | 2.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Cabot | 69.7 | 4.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Searcy | 28.9 | 1.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Enola | 19.7 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mount Vernon | 19.7 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Vilonia | 19.7 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Van Buren | 15.6 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Centerton | 107.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| West Fork | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Beebe | 17.2 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| West Memphis | 2.8 | 0.2 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Winslow | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Midway | 161.4 | 9.4 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Mountain Home | 161.4 | 9.4 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Blytheville | 40.4 | 2.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Menifee | 11.2 | 0.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Morrilton | 11.2 | 0.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| El Dorado | 1.8 | 0.1 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Harrison | 175.0 | 10.2 | Hard | County estimate |
| Siloam Springs | 112.8 | 6.6 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Dover | 14.2 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hector | 12.9 | 0.8 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Russelville | 12.9 | 0.8 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Marion | 86.4 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Pea Ridge | 107.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Caldwell | 94.5 | 5.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Forrest City | 309.6 | 18.1 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Madison | 309.6 | 18.1 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Hot Springs Village | 40.4 | 2.4 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Mabelvale | 32.3 | 1.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Sardis | 32.3 | 1.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Heber Springs | 16.7 | 1.0 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Camden | 33.5 | 2.0 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Greenbrier | 19.7 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hope | 10.7 | 0.6 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Oakhaven | 10.7 | 0.6 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Arkadelphia | 20.9 | 1.2 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Gum Springs | 20.9 | 1.2 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Bonanza | 55.0 | 3.2 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Midland | 55.0 | 3.2 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Magnolia | 7.6 | 0.4 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Ward | 69.7 | 4.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Hindsville | 78.1 | 4.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Batesville | 134.7 | 7.9 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Wynne | 17.9 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Malvern | 21.8 | 1.3 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Perla | 21.8 | 1.3 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Rockport | 21.8 | 1.3 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Elkins | 78.1 | 4.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Clarksville | 31.1 | 1.8 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Barling | 111.0 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Lonsdale | 14.1 | 0.8 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Traskwood | 14.1 | 0.8 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Amagon | 217.8 | 12.7 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Fisher | 217.8 | 12.7 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Desha | 133.1 | 7.8 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Pleasant Plains | 133.1 | 7.8 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Southside | 133.1 | 7.8 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Stuttgart | 121.7 | 7.1 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Greenwood | 47.6 | 2.8 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Rose Bud | 17.2 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Marianna | 89.0 | 5.2 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Lamar | 18.5 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Cedarville | 15.6 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Prairie Grove | 67.6 | 4.0 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Judsonia | 17.2 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mena | 8.4 | 0.5 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Mayflower | 19.7 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Black Rock | 198.5 | 11.6 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Hoxie | 198.5 | 11.6 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Oak Grove Heights | 12.2 | 0.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Walcott | 12.2 | 0.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Lakeview | 162.0 | 9.5 | Hard | County estimate |
| Dierks | 16.7 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mineral Springs | 16.7 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Trumann | 107.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Manila | 40.4 | 2.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Fountain Lake | 28.2 | 1.6 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Gentry | 107.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Lincoln | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Berryville | 115.0 | 6.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Fordyce | 34.0 | 2.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Dyer | 15.6 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mulberry | 90.9 | 5.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Rudy | 15.6 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| St. Paul | 78.1 | 4.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Danville | 16.0 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Osceola | 40.4 | 2.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Alma | 15.1 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| East End | 22.1 | 1.3 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Clinton | 7.5 | 0.4 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Biggers | 15.2 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Datto | 15.2 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Greenway | 15.2 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| McDougal | 15.2 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Nimmons | 15.2 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| O'Kean | 15.2 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Pollard | 15.2 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| St. Francis | 15.2 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Paris | 23.8 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Bald Knob | 17.2 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Ratcliff | 23.8 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Fox | 136.0 | 8.0 | Hard | County estimate |
| Monette | 75.3 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Wooster | 19.7 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Garner | 17.2 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Griffithville | 17.2 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Higginson | 17.2 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| West Point | 17.2 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Concord | 16.0 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Tumbling Shoals | 16.0 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Cave Springs | 107.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Gravette | 107.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Cherokee Village | 219.0 | 12.8 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Hardy | 219.0 | 12.8 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Letona | 17.2 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Piggott | 117.5 | 6.9 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Lonoke | 69.7 | 4.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Ozark | 90.9 | 5.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Aubrey | 89.0 | 5.2 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Haynes | 89.0 | 5.2 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Des Arc | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Eureka Springs | 115.0 | 6.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Lexa | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Poplar Grove | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Branch | 90.9 | 5.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Booneville | 23.0 | 1.4 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Brookland | 20.4 | 1.2 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Brinkley | 75.1 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Austin | 69.7 | 4.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Lavaca | 111.0 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Magness | 127.0 | 7.4 | Hard | County estimate |
| Flippin | 164.0 | 9.6 | Hard | County estimate |
| Melbourne | 186.8 | 10.9 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Donaldson | 26.0 | 1.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Friendship | 26.0 | 1.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Corning | 117.5 | 6.9 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Carlisle | 69.7 | 4.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Sulphur Rock | 127.0 | 7.4 | Hard | County estimate |
| Pyatt | 164.0 | 9.6 | Hard | County estimate |
| Bee Branch | 11.0 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Huntsville | 78.1 | 4.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Charleston | 13.2 | 0.8 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Stamps | 27.0 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Bull Shoals | 164.0 | 9.6 | Hard | County estimate |
| Mount Ida | 20.9 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| England | 69.7 | 4.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Everton | 164.0 | 9.6 | Hard | County estimate |
| Valley Springs | 164.0 | 9.6 | Hard | County estimate |
| Bergman | 166.6 | 9.7 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Zinc | 166.6 | 9.7 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Gurdon | 39.8 | 2.3 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Perryville | 8.2 | 0.5 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Pangburn | 16.1 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Waldron | 31.2 | 1.8 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Bradfordar | 110.4 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Harrisburg | 107.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Redfield | 48.7 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Dermott | 26.8 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Marvell | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Cord | 118.0 | 6.9 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Ola | 16.0 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Marked Tree | 107.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Eudora | 108.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Bono | 75.3 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Marshall | 104.0 | 6.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Hartman | 18.5 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Lafe | 33.0 | 1.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Cave City | 195.6 | 11.4 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Decatur | 104.3 | 6.1 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Mansfield | 111.0 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Yellville | 164.0 | 9.6 | Hard | County estimate |
| Rector | 117.5 | 6.9 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Altus | 90.9 | 5.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Rison | 27.0 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hughes | 86.4 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Glenwood | 48.5 | 2.8 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Pleasant Grove | 136.0 | 8.0 | Hard | County estimate |
| Horseshoe Bend | 302.7 | 17.7 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Lake City | 75.3 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Grady | 39.0 | 2.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Bluff City | 21.2 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Augusta | 59.6 | 3.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Lake Village | 108.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Leachville | 6.3 | 0.4 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Wickes | 14.0 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| New Blaine | 23.8 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Anthonyville | 2.6 | 0.1 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Edmondson | 2.6 | 0.1 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Proctor | 2.6 | 0.1 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Bearden | 31.9 | 1.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Louann | 20.4 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Houston | 12.2 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Lewisville | 27.0 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Gassville | 162.0 | 9.5 | Hard | County estimate |
| Amity | 22.9 | 1.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Kirby | 13.0 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Knoxville | 18.5 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Jefferson | 48.7 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Taylor | 27.0 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| New Edinburgh | 4.3 | 0.3 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Tuckerman | 132.0 | 7.7 | Hard | County estimate |
| Palestine | 94.5 | 5.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Vendor | 82.7 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Smackover | 27.0 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Gilbert | 104.0 | 6.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Lepanto | 107.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Pindall | 104.0 | 6.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| St. Joe | 104.0 | 6.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Calico Rock | 162.0 | 9.5 | Hard | County estimate |
| Damascus | 19.7 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Guy | 19.7 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Crawfordsville | 86.4 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Murfreesboro | 13.0 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Salem | 220.0 | 12.9 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Etowah | 40.4 | 2.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Waldo | 11.9 | 0.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Hampton | 10.7 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Harrell | 10.7 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Holly Grove | 85.3 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Scranton | 23.8 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Subiaco | 23.8 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| London | 14.2 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Rosston | 21.2 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Marmaduke | 33.0 | 1.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Caraway | 75.3 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Newark | 127.0 | 7.4 | Hard | County estimate |
| Prattsville | 20.0 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hazen | 105.1 | 6.2 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Mount Pleasant | 213.6 | 12.5 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Sparkman | 34.0 | 2.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Tupelo | 132.0 | 7.7 | Hard | County estimate |
| Coal Hill | 18.5 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Clarendon | 75.1 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Wilson | 40.4 | 2.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Horatio | 16.0 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Diamond City | 175.0 | 10.2 | Hard | County estimate |
| Batesvbille | 121.0 | 7.1 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Cushman | 121.0 | 7.1 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Stephens | 20.4 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Elaine | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Casa | 12.2 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Dolph | 150.0 | 8.8 | Hard | County estimate |
| Omaha | 172.7 | 10.1 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Luxora | 40.4 | 2.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Emerson | 9.0 | 0.5 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Ash Flat | 274.0 | 16.0 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Cotter | 162.0 | 9.5 | Hard | County estimate |
| Havana | 16.0 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Norphlet | 1.4 | 0.1 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Mammoth Spring | 220.0 | 12.9 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Monticello | 26.8 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hackett | 111.0 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Quitman | 16.0 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Carthage | 34.0 | 2.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Dell | 40.4 | 2.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Oxford | 162.9 | 9.5 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Mountainburg | 15.6 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Swifton | 132.0 | 7.7 | Hard | County estimate |
| Magazine | 23.8 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Weiner | 107.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Turrell | 86.4 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Bradford | 132.0 | 7.7 | Hard | County estimate |
| Clarkedale | 86.4 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Western Grove | 82.7 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Poyen | 20.0 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Colt | 296.9 | 17.4 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Thornton | 38.7 | 2.3 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Plumerville | 15.1 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Compton | 82.7 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Blevins | 26.1 | 1.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mountain Pine | 23.7 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Evening Shade | 183.1 | 10.7 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Norman | 20.9 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Garfield | 107.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Widener | 94.5 | 5.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Summit | 164.0 | 9.6 | Hard | County estimate |
| Perry | 12.2 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Gillett | 105.0 | 6.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Cherry Valley | 17.9 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Humphrey | 105.0 | 6.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| De Valls Bluff | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Strong | 27.0 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Rohwer | 53.6 | 3.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Bauxite | 49.8 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Lead Hill | 175.0 | 10.2 | Hard | County estimate |
| Antoine | 13.0 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Delight | 13.0 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Okolona | 22.9 | 1.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Whelen Springs | 22.9 | 1.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Emmet | 11.9 | 0.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Wheatley | 94.5 | 5.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Bigelow | 105.7 | 6.2 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Tillar | 53.6 | 3.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Helena | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Mc Neil | 10.4 | 0.6 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Huntington | 111.0 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Hunter | 59.6 | 3.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Winchester | 26.8 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Kingsland | 27.0 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Biscoe | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Reyno | 167.0 | 9.8 | Hard | County estimate |
| Tyronza | 107.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Cotton Plant | 106.1 | 6.2 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Oakland | 164.0 | 9.6 | Hard | County estimate |
| Almyra | 105.0 | 6.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Oden | 20.9 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Earle | 86.4 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Parkin | 17.9 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Fulton | 33.8 | 2.0 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Arkansas City | 53.6 | 3.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Russell | 17.2 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| St. Charles | 105.0 | 6.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Chidester | 20.4 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hickory Ridge | 17.9 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Patterson | 59.6 | 3.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Sidney | 194.7 | 11.4 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Grubbs | 132.0 | 7.7 | Hard | County estimate |
| Newport | 132.0 | 7.7 | Hard | County estimate |
| Humnoke | 69.7 | 4.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Oil Trough | 127.0 | 7.4 | Hard | County estimate |
| Black Oak | 75.3 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Knobel | 117.5 | 6.9 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Mc Dougal | 34.7 | 2.0 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Ulm | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Franklin | 150.0 | 8.8 | Hard | County estimate |
| Moro | 89.0 | 5.2 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Perrytown | 40.0 | 2.3 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Peach Orchard | 117.5 | 6.9 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Roe | 75.1 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Delaplaine | 33.0 | 1.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Beedeville | 132.0 | 7.7 | Hard | County estimate |
| Success | 117.5 | 6.9 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Alpena | 115.0 | 6.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Fountain Hill | 21.0 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hermitage | 13.0 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Jasper | 82.7 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Junction City | 27.0 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Keo | 69.7 | 4.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Wabbaseka | 48.7 | 2.9 | Soft | 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 Arkansas's Water Hardness
Arkansas sits in the Great Plains and interior lowlands region.
The Great Plains and interior lowlands are underlain by carbonate rock, gypsum, and other evaporite deposits, and the semi-arid climate concentrates dissolved minerals rather than flushing them out. Aquifers like the High Plains (Ogallala) yield water the USGS classifies as hard to very hard across most of the region, from the Dakotas down through Texas. Surface-water systems fed by plains rivers carry much of the same mineral load.
Source: USGS - High Plains aquifer
Arkansas Water Hardness FAQ
Does Arkansas have hard water?
On the whole, no — Arkansas's statewide median sits below the hard threshold, though some cities run harder. The median is 37.9 mg/L (2.2 gpg) — soft on the USGS scale, where anything above 120 mg/L (7 gpg) counts as hard. 25 of Arkansas's 126 measured cities fall in the hard or very hard bands (20%), so check your own city rather than the state average.
How hard is tap water in Arkansas?
Across the 126 Arkansas cities with measured values in our index, the median hardness is 37.9 mg/L (2.2 gpg) — soft on the USGS scale. Individual cities range from 1.4 to 309.6 mg/L, so check your own city rather than assuming the state number.
Which city in Arkansas has the hardest water?
Forrest City has the hardest measured tap water in our Arkansas index at 309.6 mg/L (18.1 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 Arkansas?
25 of Arkansas's 126 measured cities (20%) 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 Arkansas 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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