Madison vs Florence Water Quality
Side-by-side water quality comparison for two Alabama cities.
If you are comparing Madison and Florence water quality - whether moving, choosing between the two, or curious about a relative's water - here is what the data shows.
Hardness comparison
Madison has somewhat harder water at 125 PPM versus Florence at 120 PPM, a difference of 5 PPM. At 125 PPM, Madison residents will notice spotting and reduced soap efficiency. A softener is recommended for long-term appliance protection. Florence also has hard water but to a lesser degree.
Both cities have hard water, but Madison's higher hardness means more aggressive scale buildup and higher household impact.
Water sources and why they differ
Water sources differ: Madison draws from Tennessee River & Wheeler Reservoir, while Florence uses Wilson Dam & Tennessee River. Both use similar source types, but local geology creates the hardness variation.
Contaminant concerns
PFAS contamination is a concern in both cities. A reverse osmosis system or NSF P473-certified filter is recommended for drinking water.
What this means for you
If you are moving from Florence to Madison, you will notice the water difference. Budget for a water softener and expect to use more soap and detergent until you install one. Chlorine levels are higher in Madison at 1.6 mg/L. If the taste bothers you, a carbon filter or shower filter is an easy fix.
Not sure what your specific situation needs? Take the quiz to get a recommendation based on your water data, budget, and household size.
| Metric | Madison | Florence |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 125 PPM | 120 PPM |
| GPG | 7.3 | 7 |
| TDS | 168 PPM | 160 PPM |
| PFAS | 15.55 ppt | 34.8 ppt |
| Lead | 2.4 ppb | 3.4 ppb |
| Chlorine | 1.6 mg/L | 0.6 mg/L |
| Level | Hard | Hard |