Water Hardness in Arkansas
Across 202 measured cities — with 186 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 July 6, 2026. Sources: utility-reported water quality data and USGS/EPA Water Quality Portal samples.
State Median
37.9
mg/L (2.2 gpg), measured cities
Measured Range
1.4-387.7
mg/L across measured cities
Measured Cities
202
utility-reported or computed values
County Estimates
186
48% of covered cities
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 | 122 | 60.4% |
| Moderately hard | 60-120 mg/L | 48 | 23.8% |
| Hard | 120-180 mg/L | 16 | 7.9% |
| Very hard | >180 mg/L | 16 | 7.9% |
Hardest and Softest Water in Arkansas
Measured values only; labeled county estimates and values under active dispute never rank.
Hardest water in Arkansas
- Lakeview — 387.7 mg/L (22.7 gpg), very hard
- 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
Softest water in Arkansas
- Norphlet — 1.4 mg/L (0.1 gpg), soft
- El Dorado — 2.1 mg/L (0.1 gpg), soft
- Trumann — 2.1 mg/L (0.1 gpg), soft
- Anthonyville — 2.6 mg/L (0.1 gpg), soft
- Edmondson — 2.6 mg/L (0.1 gpg), soft
Every Covered City in Arkansas
All 388 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Sherwood | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Alexander | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Shannon Hills | 37.7 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| North Little Rock | 39.2 | 2.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Gibson | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Roland | 38.2 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Little Rock | 37.7 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Cammack Village | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Landmark | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Maumelle | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| McAlmont | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Sweet Home | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Wrightsville | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Springdale | 76.6 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Cave Springs | 62.4 | 3.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Lowell | 62.4 | 3.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Johnson | 76.6 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Little Flock | 62.4 | 3.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Farmington | 76.6 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Fayetteville | 76.6 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Greenland | 76.6 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Van Buren | 35.4 | 2.1 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Goshen | 76.6 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Bentonville | 54.9 | 3.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Piney | 29.2 | 1.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Rudy | 35.4 | 2.1 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Hot Springs | 29.3 | 1.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Lake Hamilton | 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 |
| Mountainburg | 35.4 | 2.1 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Brookland | 57.7 | 3.4 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Lake City | 59.5 | 3.5 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Bono | 59.5 | 3.5 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Rogers | 67.4 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Bay | 75.3 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Jonesboro | 59.5 | 3.5 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Centerton | 54.9 | 3.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Prairie Creek | 67.4 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Conway | 24.1 | 1.4 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Gravette | 70.9 | 4.2 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Cabot | 28.1 | 1.6 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Bella Vista | 107.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Benton | 47.3 | 2.8 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Salem | 70.7 | 4.1 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Bryant | 49.4 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Searcy | 28.9 | 1.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Midway | 161.4 | 9.4 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Malvern | 24.1 | 1.4 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Prairie Grove | 67.6 | 4.0 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Lonoke | 53.6 | 3.1 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Harrison | 156.7 | 9.2 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| El Dorado | 2.1 | 0.1 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Greenwood | 51.7 | 3.0 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Gentry | 112.8 | 6.6 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Siloam Springs | 112.8 | 6.6 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| West Memphis | 2.8 | 0.2 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Stuttgart | 92.1 | 5.4 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Mountain Home | 161.7 | 9.5 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Enola | 19.7 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mount Vernon | 12.1 | 0.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Vilonia | 19.7 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Gassville | 161.4 | 9.4 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Hot Springs Village | 36.4 | 2.1 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| West Fork | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Beebe | 17.2 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Oppelo | 11.2 | 0.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Plumerville | 11.2 | 0.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Winslow | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| East End | 29.3 | 1.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Menifee | 11.2 | 0.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Blytheville | 53.0 | 3.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Heber Springs | 16.7 | 1.0 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Forrest City | 309.6 | 18.1 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Morrilton | 11.2 | 0.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Dewitt | 73.4 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Batesville | 134.7 | 7.9 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Dover | 14.2 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hector | 12.9 | 0.8 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| London | 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 |
| Clarksville | 31.1 | 1.8 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Pea Ridge | 107.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Hazen | 76.1 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Caldwell | 94.5 | 5.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Madison | 309.6 | 18.1 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Magnolia | 7.5 | 0.4 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Arkadelphia | 20.9 | 1.2 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Humphrey | 73.4 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Austin | 12.1 | 0.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| St. Charles | 73.4 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Hope | 10.7 | 0.6 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Allport | 73.4 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Keo | 73.4 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Wabbaseka | 73.4 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Waldron | 50.1 | 2.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Bauxite | 32.3 | 1.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Camden | 33.5 | 2.0 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Huntsville | 60.7 | 3.5 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Glenwood | 29.6 | 1.7 | 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 |
| Mansfield | 55.0 | 3.2 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Greenbrier | 19.7 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Oak Grove Heights | 12.2 | 0.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Alma | 15.1 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Caddo Valley | 26.0 | 1.5 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Huntington | 55.0 | 3.2 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Perla | 21.8 | 1.3 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Perrytown | 11.1 | 0.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Rockport | 21.8 | 1.3 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Oakhaven | 10.7 | 0.6 | 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 |
| Hackett | 55.0 | 3.2 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Midland | 55.0 | 3.2 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Ward | 12.1 | 0.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Hindsville | 78.1 | 4.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Trumann | 2.1 | 0.1 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Wynne | 18.0 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Paragould | 12.2 | 0.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Mena | 8.4 | 0.5 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Poyen | 21.8 | 1.3 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Elkins | 78.1 | 4.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Barling | 111.0 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Haskell | 14.1 | 0.8 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| 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 |
| Corning | 15.2 | 0.9 | Soft | 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 |
| Rose Bud | 17.2 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Clinton | 7.5 | 0.4 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| 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 |
| Judsonia | 17.2 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Marmaduke | 15.2 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Rector | 15.2 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Lakeview | 387.7 | 22.7 | Very hard | 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 |
| Walcott | 12.2 | 0.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Dierks | 16.7 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mineral Springs | 16.7 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Cherokee Village | 242.2 | 14.2 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Charleston | 13.2 | 0.8 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Manila | 53.0 | 3.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Fountain Lake | 28.2 | 1.6 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Harrisburg | 184.9 | 10.8 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Lincoln | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Berryville | 65.3 | 3.8 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Fordyce | 34.0 | 2.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Avoca | 70.9 | 4.2 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Dyer | 15.6 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mulberry | 90.9 | 5.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| St. Paul | 78.1 | 4.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Mc Dougal | 16.0 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Danville | 16.0 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Reyno | 15.2 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Osceola | 53.0 | 3.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Knobel | 15.2 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| McDougal | 16.0 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Booneville | 25.0 | 1.5 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| McRae | 83.2 | 4.9 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Peach Orchard | 15.2 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Leachville | 6.3 | 0.4 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Delaplaine | 15.2 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Datto | 15.2 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Success | 15.2 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Biggers | 15.2 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Greenway | 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 |
| Piggott | 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 City | 253.6 | 14.8 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Hardy | 219.0 | 12.8 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Letona | 17.2 | 1.0 | Soft | 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 |
| Lexa | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Poplar Grove | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Bradford | 110.4 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Branch | 90.9 | 5.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Brinkley | 75.1 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Lavaca | 111.0 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Magness | 127.5 | 7.5 | Hard | County estimate |
| Flippin | 164.0 | 9.6 | Hard | County estimate |
| Perryville | 8.2 | 0.5 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| 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 |
| Waldo | 11.9 | 0.7 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Carlisle | 69.4 | 4.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Sulphur Rock | 127.5 | 7.5 | Hard | County estimate |
| Pyatt | 164.0 | 9.6 | Hard | County estimate |
| Proctor | 2.6 | 0.1 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Bee Branch | 11.0 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Stamps | 27.0 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Bull Shoals | 123.6 | 7.2 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Mount Ida | 61.5 | 3.6 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Oil Trough | 110.4 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| England | 69.4 | 4.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Everton | 164.0 | 9.6 | Hard | County estimate |
| Valley Springs | 164.0 | 9.6 | Hard | County estimate |
| Zinc | 166.6 | 9.7 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Bergman | 166.6 | 9.7 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Gurdon | 39.8 | 2.3 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Pangburn | 16.1 | 0.9 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Bradfordar | 110.4 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Garfield | 70.9 | 4.2 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Redfield | 47.8 | 2.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Dermott | 26.5 | 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 | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Eudora | 108.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Hartman | 18.5 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Lafe | 33.0 | 1.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Decatur | 104.0 | 6.1 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Yellville | 164.0 | 9.6 | Hard | County estimate |
| Holly Grove | 85.3 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Altus | 90.9 | 5.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Kingsland | 4.3 | 0.3 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Rison | 27.0 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hughes | 86.4 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Pleasant Grove | 136.0 | 8.0 | Hard | County estimate |
| Horseshoe Bend | 302.7 | 17.7 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 | 47.8 | 2.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Taylor | 27.0 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| New Edinburgh | 4.3 | 0.3 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Tinsman | 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 |
| Pindall | 114.1 | 6.7 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| St. Joe | 114.1 | 6.7 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Gilbert | 104.0 | 6.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Lepanto | 100.0 | 5.8 | 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 |
| Etowah | 53.0 | 3.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hampton | 10.6 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Harrell | 10.6 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Ash Flat | 274.0 | 16.0 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Scranton | 23.8 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Subiaco | 23.8 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Rosston | 21.2 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mc Neil | 10.4 | 0.6 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| McNeil | 10.4 | 0.6 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Caraway | 75.3 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Newark | 127.5 | 7.5 | Hard | County estimate |
| Prattsville | 19.8 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| 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 | 53.0 | 3.1 | 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 | 53.0 | 3.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Emerson | 9.0 | 0.5 | Soft | 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 | 26.5 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Quitman | 16.0 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Carthage | 34.0 | 2.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Dell | 53.0 | 3.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Oxford | 162.9 | 9.5 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Swifton | 132.0 | 7.7 | Hard | County estimate |
| Magazine | 23.8 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Weiner | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Turrell | 86.4 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Clarkedale | 86.4 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Western Grove | 114.1 | 6.7 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Evening Shade | 183.1 | 10.7 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Colt | 296.9 | 17.4 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Thornton | 38.7 | 2.3 | Soft | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Compton | 82.7 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Mccrae | 83.2 | 4.9 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Blevins | 26.1 | 1.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mountain Pine | 23.8 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Norman | 20.9 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Widener | 94.5 | 5.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Summit | 123.6 | 7.2 | Hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Perry | 12.2 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Gillett | 105.0 | 6.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Cherry Valley | 18.0 | 1.1 | Soft | 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 |
| Lead Hill | 114.1 | 6.7 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| 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 |
| Fourche | 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 |
| Hunter | 59.6 | 3.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Winchester | 26.5 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Biscoe | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Tyronza | 100.0 | 5.8 | 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 | 18.0 | 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 |
| Chidester | 20.4 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hickory Ridge | 18.0 | 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 | 69.4 | 4.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Black Oak | 75.3 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| 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 |
| Roe | 75.1 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Beedeville | 132.0 | 7.7 | Hard | County estimate |
| Mountain Hom | 272.5 | 15.9 | Very hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Alpena | 65.3 | 3.8 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Eureka Springs | 65.3 | 3.8 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Jasper | 114.1 | 6.7 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Marshall | 114.1 | 6.7 | Moderately hard | Computed from Ca+Mg |
| Fountain Hill | 21.0 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hermitage | 13.0 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Junction City | 27.0 | 1.6 | 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. 32 of Arkansas's 202 measured cities fall in the hard or very hard bands (16%), so check your own city rather than the state average.
How hard is tap water in Arkansas?
Across the 202 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 387.7 mg/L, so check your own city rather than assuming the state number.
Which city in Arkansas has the hardest water?
Lakeview has the hardest measured tap water in our Arkansas index at 387.7 mg/L (22.7 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?
32 of Arkansas's 202 measured cities (16%) 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.
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