Moderately Hard

ZIP Code 24085

Botetourt County, Virginia — Eagle Rock

104PPM (mg/L)
6.1Grains/Gallon
47Monitoring stations
060120180250
104ppm
6.1 grains per gallon
Moderately Hard

What This Means

Botetourt County, Virginia has moderately hard water, estimated at 104 mg/L (PPM). At this level, you may notice some mineral buildup on fixtures and inside appliances over time. A water softener is optional but can help extend appliance life. Most people don't notice significant issues at this hardness level.

What You Should Do

1
Monitor for minor effects. At 104 ppm, you may notice occasional water spots on dishes or light mineral buildup on fixtures over time.
2
Consider a shower filter if you notice dry skin or hair. A simple shower head filter ($15–40) can reduce mineral contact and improve skin and hair health.
3
A whole-house softener is optional at this level. If you want to prevent all scale buildup, a salt-free conditioner ($300–800) is a low-maintenance option.

Hardness Details

ZIP Code24085
CountyBotetourt
CityEagle Rock
StateVirginia (VA)
Hardness (PPM)104 mg/L — Moderately Hard
Hardness (GPG)6.1 grains/gallon
Classification61 - 120 mg/L

Source: USGS Water Quality Portal, county-level median

USGS Monitoring Data

Monitoring Stations47
Range3 – 386 mg/L
Most Recent Data2025
Data QualityMeasured

Source: USGS Water Quality Portal

Effects at 104 PPM Hardness

Skin & HairMildPipesMildLaundryMildTasteMild

At 104 ppm, some minor effects are possible: slight soap scum on shower doors, occasional water spots on dishes and glassware. Sensitive skin may notice dryness after showers. Appliance efficiency is minimally affected, but you may see light mineral deposits on faucets over time.

Is Eagle Rock Water Safe to Drink?

Yes. Hard water at 104 ppm in Eagle Rock is safe to drink. The calcium and magnesium that make water hard are actually essential minerals your body needs daily. The World Health Organization confirms there are no health-based guidelines for water hardness.

At this level, taste is generally good. Most people will not notice a mineral flavor, and the water is perfectly suitable for drinking, cooking, and making coffee or tea.

Your Water vs National Average

SoftModerateHardVery HardUS Avg: 100 ppmYou: 104 ppm0 ppm280+ ppm

Eagle Rock water at 104 ppm is 4% harder than the US average of approximately 100 ppm. This is close to the national average. While not urgently requiring treatment, monitoring for scale buildup is advisable.

Best Solution for 104 PPM Water

Consider a shower filter ($15–40) for skin and hair benefits. At 104 ppm, a KDF or vitamin C shower filter can reduce mineral contact during bathing. A whole-house salt-free conditioner ($300–800) is an optional but effective way to prevent minor scale buildup on fixtures and appliances without adding sodium to your water.

Botetourt County Water Hardness Map

Soft   Moderate   Hard   Very Hard

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the water hardness for ZIP code 24085?

ZIP code 24085 is in Botetourt County, Virginia, with estimated water hardness of 104 mg/L (6.1 GPG), classified as moderately hard.

Do I need a water softener in 24085?

With moderately hard water at 104 PPM, a water softener is optional. You may notice some minor scale buildup over time.

What county is ZIP code 24085 in?

ZIP code 24085 is in Botetourt County, Virginia (VA).

Is Eagle Rock water hard or soft?

Eagle Rock water is classified as moderately hard with an estimated hardness of 104 ppm (6.1 GPG). This is moderately hard — some minor mineral effects may be noticeable.

Is hard water in 24085 safe to drink?

Yes, hard water in ZIP code 24085 at 104 ppm is safe to drink. The calcium and magnesium minerals are actually beneficial for your health. At this level, the water tastes normal and requires no filtration for drinking purposes.

Will 104 PPM water damage my appliances?

At 104 ppm (moderately hard), minor scale buildup is possible over many years but significant appliance damage is unlikely. Regular descaling maintenance is sufficient.

Do I need a water softener in Botetourt County?

Botetourt County has moderately hard water at 104 ppm. A softener is optional but can help if you notice dry skin or minor scale.

Is Eagle Rock water OK for aquariums and plants?

Generally yes. At 104 ppm, most freshwater fish and plants will do fine. Check species-specific requirements for sensitive fish.