Moderately Hard

ZIP Code 38701

Washington County, Mississippi — Greenville

118PPM (mg/L)
6.9Grains/Gallon
210Monitoring stations
060120180250
118ppm
6.9 grains per gallon
Moderately Hard

What This Means

Washington County, Mississippi has moderately hard water, estimated at 118 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 118 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 Code38701
CountyWashington
CityGreenville
StateMississippi (MS)
Hardness (PPM)118 mg/L — Moderately Hard
Hardness (GPG)6.9 grains/gallon
Classification61 - 120 mg/L

Source: USGS Water Quality Portal, county-level median

Your Water Utility

Utility NameCITY OF GREENVILLE
System IDMS0760004
Water SourceGround 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 Stations210
Range0 – 779 mg/L
Most Recent Data2023
Data QualityMeasured

Source: USGS Water Quality Portal

Effects at 118 PPM Hardness

Skin & HairMildPipesMildLaundryMildTasteMild

At 118 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 Greenville Water Safe to Drink?

Yes. Hard water at 118 ppm in Greenville 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: 118 ppm0 ppm280+ ppm

Greenville water at 118 ppm is 18% 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 118 PPM Water

Consider a shower filter ($15–40) for skin and hair benefits. At 118 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.

Washington County Water Hardness Map

Soft   Moderate   Hard   Very Hard

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the water hardness for ZIP code 38701?

ZIP code 38701 is in Washington County, Mississippi, with estimated water hardness of 118 mg/L (6.9 GPG), classified as moderately hard. The area is served by CITY OF GREENVILLE.

Do I need a water softener in 38701?

With moderately hard water at 118 PPM, a water softener is optional. You may notice some minor scale buildup over time.

What county is ZIP code 38701 in?

ZIP code 38701 is in Washington County, Mississippi (MS).

Is Greenville water hard or soft?

Greenville water is classified as moderately hard with an estimated hardness of 118 ppm (6.9 GPG). This is moderately hard — some minor mineral effects may be noticeable.

Is hard water in 38701 safe to drink?

Yes, hard water in ZIP code 38701 at 118 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 118 PPM water damage my appliances?

At 118 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 Washington County?

Washington County has moderately hard water at 118 ppm. A softener is optional but can help if you notice dry skin or minor scale.

Is Greenville water OK for aquariums and plants?

Generally yes. At 118 ppm, most freshwater fish and plants will do fine. Check species-specific requirements for sensitive fish.