Murfreesboro's water comes from the Ohio River basin, which flows through limestone terrain producing hard water at 161 PPM. The river carries cumulative agricultural and industrial inputs from upstream, making contaminant monitoring important.
What Murfreesboro's Water Means for Your Home
Murfreesboro's water is hard at 161 PPM. This level of hardness causes gradual scale accumulation on plumbing fixtures, inside water heaters, and on dishware. While not as aggressive as cities in the 200+ PPM range, homeowners who install a water softener or salt-free conditioner typically notice improved soap lathering, cleaner dishes, and longer appliance lifespans.
Lead is the primary water quality concern for Murfreesboro homes, especially those built before 1986 when lead solder was still legal in plumbing. At 6 ppb, Murfreesboro'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.
Contaminant
Detected
Health Guideline
Legal Limit
Status
Hardness (as CaCO₃)
161 PPM
< 60 PPM
No federal limit
⚠ Hard
Total Dissolved Solids
238 PPM
< 300 PPM
500 PPM
✓ OK
PFAS (total)
4 ppt
4 ppt (EPA)
4 ppt (2024)
✓ OK
Lead
6 ppb
0 ppb (no safe level)
15 ppb (action level)
⚠ Elevated
Chlorine / Chloramine
1.1 mg/L
Taste threshold ~1.0
4.0 mg/L
✓ Normal
Nitrate
3 mg/L
5 mg/L
10 mg/L
✓ OK
Recommendations for Murfreesboro Homes
💧Water Softener or Conditioner
At 161 PPM, Murfreesboro's water is hard. You will see gradual scale buildup on fixtures and inside water heaters. A salt-based softener removes hardness completely, while a salt-free conditioner prevents scale without removing the minerals. Your choice depends on whether you want soft-feeling water or just scale prevention.
Lead detected at 6 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.
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Consolidated Utility. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Murfreesboro Water
Is Murfreesboro tap water safe to drink?
Murfreesboro'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 Murfreesboro?
It is worth considering. At 161 PPM, Murfreesboro's water is hard. You will notice gradual scale buildup in pipes and on fixtures over time. A salt-based softener extends appliance life and improves soap efficiency. A salt-free conditioner is a lower-maintenance alternative if you primarily want to prevent scale.
What water filter is best for Murfreesboro?
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 Murfreesboro's water come from?
Murfreesboro's drinking water is sourced from Percy Priest Reservoir and treated by Consolidated Utility. Murfreesboro's water comes from the Ohio River basin, which flows through limestone terrain producing hard water at 161 PPM. The river carries cumulative agricultural and industrial inputs from upstream, making contaminant monitoring important.
What is the hardness of Murfreesboro water in grains per gallon?
Murfreesboro's water hardness is 9.4 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 161 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Murfreesboro water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At 9.4 GPG, Murfreesboro's water exceeds this threshold. Scale buildup inside the heat exchanger reduces efficiency and can void the manufacturer's warranty. A water softener installed upstream of the tankless heater is the standard solution.
Is Murfreesboro water safe for babies and infants?
Lead is the primary concern for infants and young children. Murfreesboro's lead level of 6 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.
How much does hard water cost a Murfreesboro household per year?
At 161 PPM, hard water costs the average Murfreesboro household an estimated $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden costs. This includes 15 to 25 percent higher water heating bills from scale insulation, 50 to 75 percent more soap and detergent usage, shorter appliance lifespans (water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines), and increased plumbing maintenance. A water softener typically costs $600 to $1,500 installed and $50 to $100 per year in salt, which means most Murfreesboro households see a return on investment within 1 to 2 years.
Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Consolidated Utility Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.