Moderately Hard

ZIP Code 36202

Calhoun County, Alabama

91PPM (mg/L)
5.3Grains/Gallon
101Monitoring stations
060120180250
91ppm
5.3 grains per gallon
Moderately Hard

What This Means

Calhoun County, Alabama has moderately hard water, estimated at 91 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 91 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 Code36202
CountyCalhoun
City—
StateAlabama (AL)
Hardness (PPM)91 mg/L — Moderately Hard
Hardness (GPG)5.3 grains/gallon
Classification61 - 120 mg/L

Source: USGS Water Quality Portal, county-level median

Your Water Utility

Utility NameANNISTON ALABAMA, THE WWSB OF THE CITY O
System IDAL0000133
Water SourceSurface 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 Stations101
Range1 – 2700 mg/L
Most Recent Data2025
Data QualityMeasured

Source: USGS Water Quality Portal

Effects at 91 PPM Hardness

Skin & HairMildPipesMildLaundryMildTasteMild

At 91 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 Calhoun County Water Safe to Drink?

Yes. Hard water at 91 ppm in Calhoun County 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: 91 ppm0 ppm280+ ppm

Calhoun County water at 91 ppm is 9% 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 91 PPM Water

Consider a shower filter ($15–40) for skin and hair benefits. At 91 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.

Calhoun County Water Hardness Map

Soft   Moderate   Hard   Very Hard

New Lookup

Check Another ZIP Code

Nearby ZIP Codes

36199 Montgomery, AL Soft 36201 Anniston, AL Moderate 36203 Oxford, AL Moderate 36204 Calhoun, AL Moderate 36205 Fort Mc Clellan, AL Moderate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the water hardness for ZIP code 36202?

ZIP code 36202 is in Calhoun County, Alabama, with estimated water hardness of 91 mg/L (5.3 GPG), classified as moderately hard. The area is served by ANNISTON ALABAMA, THE WWSB OF THE CITY O.

Do I need a water softener in 36202?

With moderately hard water at 91 PPM, a water softener is optional. You may notice some minor scale buildup over time.

What county is ZIP code 36202 in?

ZIP code 36202 is in Calhoun County, Alabama (AL).

Is Calhoun County water hard or soft?

Calhoun County water is classified as moderately hard with an estimated hardness of 91 ppm (5.3 GPG). This is moderately hard — some minor mineral effects may be noticeable.

Is hard water in 36202 safe to drink?

Yes, hard water in ZIP code 36202 at 91 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 91 PPM water damage my appliances?

At 91 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 Calhoun County?

Calhoun County has moderately hard water at 91 ppm. A softener is optional but can help if you notice dry skin or minor scale.

Is Calhoun County water OK for aquariums and plants?

Generally yes. At 91 ppm, most freshwater fish and plants will do fine. Check species-specific requirements for sensitive fish.