Is Kentucky tap water hard or soft?
Yes, mostly. 100 % of the 9 cities with published data in Kentucky have hard or very hard water (over 120 mg/L). The median is 7.8 gpg, from 7.5 gpg in Shively to 10.2 gpg in Owensboro.
We have published hardness data for 9 cities in Kentucky. The median is 7.8 gpg; the hardest water is in Owensboro (10.2 gpg), the softest in Shively (7.5 gpg).
100 % of these cities have hard or very hard water (over 120 mg/L).
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Cities in Kentucky, hardest first
| gpg | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owensboro | 10.2 | 175 | hard |
| Lexington | 9.4 | 161 | hard |
| North Middletown | 9.4 | 161 | hard |
| Lexington | 8.9 | 153 | hard |
| Bowling Green | 7.8 | 134 | hard |
| Lyndon | 7.6 | 130 | hard |
| Louisville | 7.5 | 128 | hard |
| Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government | 7.5 | 128 | hard |
| Shively | 7.5 | 128 | hard |
FAQ
Is Kentucky water hard or soft?
Yes, mostly. 100 % of the 9 cities we cover have hard or very hard water; the median is 7.8 gpg.
Which city in Kentucky has the hardest water?
Owensboro, at 10.2 gpg, has the hardest water of the 9 cities with published data.
Which city in Kentucky has the softest water?
Shively, at 7.5 gpg, has the softest water of the 9 cities with published data.
Do I need a water softener in Kentucky?
Above about 120 mg/L (7 gpg) scale builds up in water heaters, kettles and dishwashers, and a softener or at least regular descaling pays off. Look up your own city in the table: in Kentucky the values range from 7.5 gpg to 10.2 gpg.
On a private well? Well water hardness in Kentucky by county →