Water Quality in Odessa, TX

Odessa's water has very hard water (278 PPM). A water softener is recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. Read below for a full breakdown.

Odessa Water Utilities · Source: Ward County wellfields · Serves 127,959 residents

278
Hardness (PPM)
423
TDS (PPM)
1.4
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
2
Lead (ppb)
278 PPM 0 400 Extremely Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 278 PPM TDS 423 PPM PFAS 4 ppt Lead 2 ppb Chlorine 1.4 mg/L Nitrate 4 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Odessa Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Extremely hard water

Odessa shares the Permian Basin's extremely hard water problem with Midland. High TDS and hardness are constants.

What Odessa's Water Means for Your Home

Odessa residents deal with some of the hardest municipal water in the country. At 278 PPM (16.3 grains per gallon), the water contains high concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium picked up from the regional geology as surface water is treated and distributed. This is not a safety issue. The minerals are safe to consume. But they create real, measurable costs for homeowners. Hard water at 278 PPM costs the average household $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden expenses, including higher energy bills from scale-insulated water heaters, increased soap and detergent usage, and premature appliance failure. Many Odessa homeowners discover this only after a water heater replacement or plumber visit.

Beyond hardness, Odessa's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1.4 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.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)278 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit⚠ Very Hard
Total Dissolved Solids423 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM⚠ Elevated
PFAS (total)4 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead2 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1.4 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate4 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Odessa Homes

🧂 Water Softener
At 278 PPM (16.3 GPG), Odessa's water is extremely hard. Scale will accumulate in pipes, water heaters, and on fixtures. A salt-based ion exchange softener removes the calcium and magnesium causing the problem. For a typical Odessa household of 2 to 4 people, a 48,000-grain softener is the right starting size.
Learn more about this solution →

About Odessa's Water Supply

Water Utility: Odessa Water Utilities

Water Source: Ward County wellfields

Population Served: 127,959

Hardness: 278 PPM (16.3 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Odessa 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 Odessa to Other Texas Cities

Houston

120 PPM · Hard

San Antonio

240 PPM · Very Hard

Dallas

100 PPM · Moderately Hard

Fort Worth

110 PPM · Moderately Hard

El Paso

265 PPM · Extremely Hard

Arlington

124 PPM · Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Odessa Water

Is Odessa tap water safe to drink?
Odessa'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 Odessa?
Yes. At 278 PPM (16.3 GPG), Odessa's water is extremely hard. Without a softener, expect visible scale buildup on faucets and shower heads, reduced water heater efficiency (15 to 25 percent higher energy costs), spotted dishes and glassware, and soap that does not lather well. A salt-based water softener is the standard solution. For a typical Odessa home with 2 to 4 residents, a 48,000-grain system is the most common starting size.
What water filter is best for Odessa?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For chlorine taste and odor, an activated carbon filter is effective and affordable, available as under-sink, countertop, or whole-house systems. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Odessa's water come from?
Odessa's drinking water is sourced from Ward County wellfields and treated by Odessa Water Utilities. Odessa shares the Permian Basin's extremely hard water problem with Midland. High TDS and hardness are constants.
What is the hardness of Odessa water in grains per gallon?
Odessa's water hardness is 16.3 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 278 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as extremely hard. Most water softener manufacturers recommend treatment above 7 GPG. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Odessa water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At 16.3 GPG, Odessa'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 Odessa water safe for babies and infants?
Odessa'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.
How much does hard water cost a Odessa household per year?
At 278 PPM, hard water costs the average Odessa 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 Odessa 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 Odessa 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.