ZIP Code 25506
Lincoln County, West Virginia — Branchland
What This Means
Lincoln County, West Virginia has moderately hard water, estimated at 76.6 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
Hardness Details
| ZIP Code | 25506 |
| County | Lincoln |
| City | Branchland |
| State | West Virginia (WV) |
| Hardness (PPM) | 76.6 mg/L — Moderately Hard |
| Hardness (GPG) | 4.5 grains/gallon |
| Classification | 61 - 120 mg/L |
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal, county-level median
Your Water Utility
| Utility Name | BRANCHLAND MIDKIFF PSD |
| System ID | WV3302202 |
| Water Source | Surface water |
ⓘ Your utility may treat water before delivery, which can change hardness levels. Check your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for exact hardness values.
USGS Monitoring Data
| Monitoring Stations | 180 |
| Range | 2 – 1900 mg/L |
| Most Recent Data | 2011 |
| Data Quality | Measured |
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal
Effects at 76.6 PPM Hardness
At 76.6 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 Branchland Water Safe to Drink?
Yes. Hard water at 76.6 ppm in Branchland 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
Branchland water at 76.6 ppm is 23% softer 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 76.6 PPM Water
Consider a shower filter ($15–40) for skin and hair benefits. At 76.6 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.
Lincoln County Water Hardness Map
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water hardness for ZIP code 25506?
ZIP code 25506 is in Lincoln County, West Virginia, with estimated water hardness of 76.6 mg/L (4.5 GPG), classified as moderately hard. The area is served by BRANCHLAND MIDKIFF PSD.
Do I need a water softener in 25506?
With moderately hard water at 76.6 PPM, a water softener is optional. You may notice some minor scale buildup over time.
What county is ZIP code 25506 in?
ZIP code 25506 is in Lincoln County, West Virginia (WV).
Is Branchland water hard or soft?
Branchland water is classified as moderately hard with an estimated hardness of 76.6 ppm (4.5 GPG). This is moderately hard — some minor mineral effects may be noticeable.
Is hard water in 25506 safe to drink?
Yes, hard water in ZIP code 25506 at 76.6 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 76.6 PPM water damage my appliances?
At 76.6 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 Lincoln County?
Lincoln County has moderately hard water at 76.6 ppm. A softener is optional but can help if you notice dry skin or minor scale.
Is Branchland water OK for aquariums and plants?
Generally yes. At 76.6 ppm, most freshwater fish and plants will do fine. Check species-specific requirements for sensitive fish.