Water Quality in Jackson, MS

Jackson's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 60 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

City of Jackson · Source: Ross Barnett Reservoir · Serves 153,701 residents

60
Hardness (PPM)
90
TDS (PPM)
0.9
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
9
Lead (ppb)
60 PPM 0 400 Moderately Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 60 PPM TDS 90 PPM PFAS 4 ppt Lead 9 ppb Chlorine 0.9 mg/L Nitrate 1 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Jackson Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Severe lead crisisInfrastructure failuresBoil-water advisories

What Jackson's Water Means for Your Home

Jackson's water is moderately hard at 60 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 Jackson, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Lead is the primary water quality concern for Jackson homes, especially those built before 1986 when lead solder was still legal in plumbing. At 9 ppb, Jackson's average lead level is above the health guideline of zero. Lead enters water from service lines and interior plumbing, not from the water source itself. Running cold water for 30 seconds before use reduces exposure, and a certified lead-reduction filter at the kitchen faucet provides ongoing protection.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)60 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids90 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)4 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead9 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)⚠ Elevated
Chlorine / Chloramine0.9 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate1 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Jackson Homes

🔄 Salt-Free Conditioner (Optional)
At 60 PPM, Jackson's water is moderately hard. Scale buildup is slow but noticeable over years, especially in tankless water heaters. A salt-free conditioner is a low-maintenance option if you want to extend appliance life.
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⚠️ Lead-Reduction Filter
Lead detected at 9 ppb. There is no safe level of lead in drinking water, and children are especially vulnerable. Lead typically enters water from old plumbing, not the source water. A point-of-use filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead is the most practical solution. If your home was built before 1986, testing is strongly recommended.
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About Jackson's Water Supply

Water Utility: City of Jackson

Water Source: Ross Barnett Reservoir

Population Served: 153,701

Hardness: 60 PPM (undefined grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by City of Jackson. 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 Jackson to Other Mississippi Cities

Gulfport

107 PPM · Moderately Hard

Hattiesburg

53 PPM · Slightly Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Jackson Water

Is Jackson tap water safe to drink?
Jackson's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Lead levels are elevated. This is especially concerning in older buildings with lead service lines or lead solder. 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 Jackson?
At 60 PPM, Jackson's water is moderately hard. Some homeowners at this level do not notice problems, while others see spotting on glassware, film on shower doors, or reduced soap lathering. Homes with tankless water heaters at this hardness level should strongly consider at least a salt-free conditioner, as scale buildup inside the heat exchanger can void the warranty. For other homes, it depends on your sensitivity and fixtures.
What water filter is best for Jackson?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For lead, look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification specifically for lead reduction. Point-of-use filters at the kitchen faucet are the most practical approach. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Jackson's water come from?
Jackson's drinking water is sourced from Ross Barnett Reservoir and treated by City of Jackson.
What is the hardness of Jackson water in grains per gallon?
Jackson's water hardness is undefined grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 60 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as moderately hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Jackson water damage tankless water heaters?
At undefined GPG, Jackson'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 Jackson water safe for babies and infants?
Lead is the primary concern for infants and young children. Jackson's lead level of 9 ppb is elevated. Run the cold water tap for 30 seconds before using it for formula or cooking, and consider a certified lead-reduction filter for the kitchen faucet.

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