What is Jonesboro water hardness in grains per gallon?

Jonesboro's water hardness is 2.9 grains per gallon (GPG), equivalent to 49 parts per million (PPM). 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.

Water Quality in Jonesboro, AR

Jonesboro's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 49 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

Jonesboro Water Utilities · Source: Alluvial aquifer · Serves 78,576 residents

Hardness (PPM)

125

TDS (PPM)

Chlorine (mg/L)

PFAS (ppt)

Lead (ppb)

Hardness Scale: Where Jonesboro Falls

Soft 060120180250400+

Generally good quality

Jonesboro draws from the Mississippi Alluvial aquifer. Water is moderately soft.

What Jonesboro's Water Means for Your Home

Jonesboro's water is slightly hard at 49 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Jonesboro, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, Jonesboro's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

Contaminant	Detected	Health Guideline	Legal Limit	Status
Hardness (as CaCO₃)	49 PPM	< 60 PPM	No federal limit	✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids	125 PPM	< 300 PPM	500 PPM	✓ OK
PFAS (total)	4 ppt	4 ppt (EPA)	4 ppt (2024)	✓ OK
Lead	4 ppb	0 ppb (no safe level)	15 ppb (action level)	✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine	1 mg/L	Taste threshold ~1.0	4.0 mg/L	✓ Normal
Nitrate	2 mg/L	5 mg/L	10 mg/L	✓ OK

Good news for ${esc(c.city)} residents. Your water quality is generally good. Most homes in this area do not need a water softener. If you have concerns about lead (especially in buildings constructed before 1986) or chlorine taste, a point-of-use filter is the most practical and cost-effective solution.

About Jonesboro's Water Supply

Water Utility: Jonesboro Water Utilities

Water Source: Alluvial aquifer

Population Served: 78,576

Hardness: 49 PPM (2.9 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Jonesboro Water Utilities. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Jonesboro to Other Arkansas Cities

Frequently Asked Questions About Jonesboro Water

Is Jonesboro tap water safe to drink?

Jonesboro's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.

Do I need a water softener in Jonesboro?

Probably not. At 49 PPM, Jonesboro's water is on the softer end. Most homes will not experience noticeable scale buildup. That said, if you have high-end fixtures, a glass shower enclosure, or a tankless water heater, even mild hardness can leave mineral deposits over time. A salt-free conditioner is a low-cost insurance policy in that case.

What water filter is best for Jonesboro?

The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.

Where does Jonesboro's water come from?

Jonesboro's drinking water is sourced from Alluvial aquifer and treated by Jonesboro Water Utilities. Jonesboro draws from the Mississippi Alluvial aquifer. Water is moderately soft.

What is the hardness of Jonesboro water in grains per gallon?

Jonesboro's water hardness is 2.9 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 49 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as slightly hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.

Does Jonesboro water damage tankless water heaters?

At 2.9 GPG, Jonesboro's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.

Is Jonesboro water safe for babies and infants?

Jonesboro's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Jonesboro Water Utilities Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.