Hardest Water in Missouri
15 cities ranked by water hardness. Springfield tops the list at 299 PPM.
Missouri's water hardness varies significantly by city and water source. The state average across our database is 211 PPM, which is very hard. Most Missouri households will benefit from a water softener. 100% of cities we track in Missouri have hardness above 120 PPM.
Springfield has the hardest water at 299 PPM (17.5 GPG). At this level, expect visible scale on faucets, reduced water heater efficiency, and higher soap usage. A salt-based water softener typically pays for itself within 12-18 months in energy and consumable savings.
| # | City | PPM | GPG | Level | Softener? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Springfield | 299 | 17.5 | Extremely Hard | Yes |
| 2 | Columbia North | 290 | 17 | Extremely Hard | Yes |
| 3 | Joplin | 270 | 15.8 | Extremely Hard | Yes |
| 4 | Columbia | 251 | 14.7 | Extremely Hard | Yes |
| 5 | Jefferson City | 230 | 13.5 | Very Hard | Yes |
| 6 | Kansas City | 215 | 12.6 | Very Hard | Yes |
| 7 | Lee's Summit | 211 | 12.3 | Very Hard | Yes |
| 8 | O'Fallon | 200 | 11.7 | Very Hard | Yes |
| 9 | Lees Summit | 200 | 11.7 | Very Hard | Yes |
| 10 | St. Charles | 195 | 11.4 | Very Hard | Yes |
| 11 | Independence | 186 | 10.9 | Very Hard | Yes |
| 12 | Blue Springs | 180 | 10.5 | Very Hard | Yes |
| 13 | St. Louis | 150 | 8.8 | Hard | Recommended |
| 14 | Chesterfield | 150 | 8.8 | Hard | Recommended |
| 15 | Webster Groves | 140 | 8.2 | Hard | Recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average water hardness in Missouri?
Across 15 cities in our database, the average water hardness in Missouri is 211 PPM (12.3 GPG). This ranges from 140 PPM in Webster Groves to 299 PPM in Springfield.
Do I need a water softener in Missouri?
It depends on your city. 100% of Missouri cities in our database (15 of 15) have hardness above 120 PPM where a softener provides measurable benefit. Check your specific city above.
Which Missouri city has the softest water?
Webster Groves has the softest water in Missouri at 140 PPM (8.2 GPG). No water softener is needed at this level.
What causes hard water in Missouri?
Hard water in Missouri is caused by dissolved calcium and magnesium from the local geology. Limestone and dolomite bedrock are the primary sources, dissolving minerals into groundwater and surface water as it flows through the rock.