Collierville vs Johnson City Water Quality
Side-by-side water quality comparison for two Tennessee cities.
If you are comparing Collierville and Johnson City water quality - whether moving, choosing between the two, or curious about a relative's water - here is what the data shows.
Hardness comparison
Collierville has dramatically harder water at 180 PPM versus Johnson City at 15 PPM, a difference of 165 PPM. At 180 PPM, Collierville residents should budget for a water softener ($600-$1,500 installed). Without one, expect scale buildup on fixtures, reduced water heater efficiency, and $800-$1,200/year in hidden costs. Johnson City residents generally do not need any water softening equipment.
This difference has real practical impact. Collierville homeowners deal with scale buildup on water heaters, extra soap and detergent use, and shorter appliance lifespans that Johnson City residents largely avoid.
Water sources and why they differ
Water sources differ: Collierville draws from Memphis Sand Aquifer, while Johnson City uses Watauga Lake, Boone Lake. Both use similar source types, but local geology creates the hardness variation.
What this means for you
If you are moving from Johnson City to Collierville, you will notice the water difference. Budget for a water softener and expect to use more soap and detergent until you install one. If moving the other direction, from Collierville to Johnson City, you may be pleasantly surprised by how much better soap lathers and how your skin feels.
Not sure what your specific situation needs? Take the quiz to get a recommendation based on your water data, budget, and household size.
| Metric | Collierville | Johnson City |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 180 PPM | 15 PPM |
| GPG | 10.5 | 0.9 |
| TDS | 300 PPM | 30 PPM |
| PFAS | 0 ppt | 0 ppt |
| Lead | 1 ppb | 1.3 ppb |
| Chlorine | 1.2 mg/L | 0.9 mg/L |
| Level | Very Hard | Soft |