ZIP Code 42635
McCreary County, Kentucky — Hollyhill
What This Means
McCreary County, Kentucky has moderately hard water, estimated at 64 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 | 42635 |
| County | McCreary |
| City | Hollyhill |
| State | Kentucky (KY) |
| Hardness (PPM) | 64 mg/L — Moderately Hard |
| Hardness (GPG) | 3.7 grains/gallon |
| Classification | 61 - 120 mg/L |
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal, county-level median
USGS Monitoring Data
| Monitoring Stations | 52 |
| Range | 1 – 450 mg/L |
| Most Recent Data | 2014 |
| Data Quality | Measured |
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal
Effects at 64 PPM Hardness
At 64 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 Hollyhill Water Safe to Drink?
Yes. Hard water at 64 ppm in Hollyhill 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
Hollyhill water at 64 ppm is 36% 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 64 PPM Water
Consider a shower filter ($15–40) for skin and hair benefits. At 64 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.
McCreary County Water Hardness Map
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water hardness for ZIP code 42635?
ZIP code 42635 is in McCreary County, Kentucky, with estimated water hardness of 64 mg/L (3.7 GPG), classified as moderately hard.
Do I need a water softener in 42635?
With moderately hard water at 64 PPM, a water softener is optional. You may notice some minor scale buildup over time.
What county is ZIP code 42635 in?
ZIP code 42635 is in McCreary County, Kentucky (KY).
Is Hollyhill water hard or soft?
Hollyhill water is classified as moderately hard with an estimated hardness of 64 ppm (3.7 GPG). This is moderately hard — some minor mineral effects may be noticeable.
Is hard water in 42635 safe to drink?
Yes, hard water in ZIP code 42635 at 64 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 64 PPM water damage my appliances?
At 64 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 McCreary County?
McCreary County has moderately hard water at 64 ppm. A softener is optional but can help if you notice dry skin or minor scale.
Is Hollyhill water OK for aquariums and plants?
Generally yes. At 64 ppm, most freshwater fish and plants will do fine. Check species-specific requirements for sensitive fish.