ZIP Code 36874
Lee County, Alabama — Salem
What This Means
Lee County, Alabama has naturally soft water, estimated at 36.7 mg/L (PPM). Soft water is generally good for appliances and plumbing — it produces less scale buildup. You likely don't need a water softener. Soft water may feel slightly "slippery" and lathers soap easily.
What You Should Do
Hardness Details
| ZIP Code | 36874 |
| County | Lee |
| City | Salem |
| State | Alabama (AL) |
| Hardness (PPM) | 36.7 mg/L — Soft |
| Hardness (GPG) | 2.1 grains/gallon |
| Classification | 0 - 60 mg/L |
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal, county-level median
USGS Monitoring Data
| Monitoring Stations | 53 |
| Range | 2 – 230 mg/L |
| Most Recent Data | 2024 |
| Data Quality | Measured |
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal
Effects at 36.7 PPM Hardness
At 36.7 ppm, your water is soft. You are unlikely to notice mineral effects on skin, hair, or appliances. Soap lathers easily, dishes come out spot-free, and your water heater and plumbing will not accumulate scale buildup.
Is Salem Water Safe to Drink?
Yes. Hard water at 36.7 ppm in Salem 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
Salem water at 36.7 ppm is 63% softer than the US average of approximately 100 ppm. Your area benefits from naturally soft water, which is gentler on plumbing, appliances, skin, and hair than what most Americans experience.
Best Solution for 36.7 PPM Water
No softener needed. Your soft water at 36.7 ppm is ideal for skin, hair, and appliances. You are in the fortunate minority of US homes that do not need water treatment for hardness. Enjoy the benefits of naturally soft water: easy soap lathering, spot-free dishes, and long-lasting appliances.
Lee County Water Hardness Map
Soft Moderate Hard Very Hard
Check Another ZIP Code
Nearby ZIP Codes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water hardness for ZIP code 36874?
ZIP code 36874 is in Lee County, Alabama, with estimated water hardness of 36.7 mg/L (2.1 GPG), classified as soft.
Do I need a water softener in 36874?
With soft water at 36.7 PPM, a water softener is generally not needed.
What county is ZIP code 36874 in?
ZIP code 36874 is in Lee County, Alabama (AL).
Is Salem water hard or soft?
Salem water is classified as soft with an estimated hardness of 36.7 ppm (2.1 GPG). This is soft water — no treatment is needed.
Is hard water in 36874 safe to drink?
Yes, hard water in ZIP code 36874 at 36.7 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 36.7 PPM water damage my appliances?
At 36.7 ppm (soft), your water will not cause mineral damage to appliances. You can expect full lifespan from your water heater, dishwasher, and plumbing.
Do I need a water softener in Lee County?
No — Lee County has soft water at 36.7 ppm. A water softener is not necessary.
Is Salem water OK for aquariums and plants?
Yes — soft water at 36.7 ppm is ideal for most tropical fish (bettas, tetras, discus) and acid-loving plants. African cichlids may need mineral supplements.