Hardness
Very Hard
363.5 PPM · 21.3 GPG
Local water dashboard
Official source aggregationA source-transparent look at local hardness, associated public water systems, EPA compliance history, and the measurements that are—and are not—available for Polk County.
At a glance
EPA quarter 2026Q2
Hardness
Very Hard
363.5 PPM · 21.3 GPG
Compliance screen
Review needed
1 active health-based record
Lead 90th percentile
0.0012 mg/L
8% of action level
Utility match
9 systems
Serves 35,239 people system-wide
Hardness meter
Estimated local hardness
USGS hardness classification scale
363.5 PPM
Parts per million
363.5
mg/L as CaCO₃ equivalent
Grains per gallon
21.3
1 GPG ≈ 17.1 PPM
What this means at home
At 363.5 PPM, mineral scale can build up on fixtures and heating elements, reduce soap lather, and leave visible spotting. Hardness is primarily an aesthetic and appliance concern—not itself a tap-water safety rating.
USGS sites used
72
Nearest site
9.4 mi
Observation range
Jan 13, 2016–May 27, 2026
Estimate confidence
Moderate
Median of the latest qualifying hardness observation at each nearby monitoring site. Nearest monitoring location: POLK CO 711 FT UFA WELL 3 NR BARTOW FL (Well).USGS source documentation ↗
Regional context
These comparisons use other indexed ZIP estimates, not utility tap samples. They help show local context without replacing a household test.
Auburndale median
364 PPM
About the same1 indexed ZIP readings · Range 363.5–363.5 PPM
Florida median
280 PPM
84 PPM higher602 indexed ZIP readings · Range 20–374.5 PPM
EPA benchmark screen
Available numerical results from associated SDWIS community water systems, compared with the applicable action level or federal MCL. Federal measured-value coverage is incomplete.
Lead (PB90)
0.0012 mg/L
Reported Dec 1, 2024
Copper (CU90)
1.51 mg/L
Reported Sep 30, 1995
Numerical coverage
2 comparable results
Missing values remain blank; absence is not treated as a pass.
Measured in mg/L
Local 0.0012
EPA limit 0.015
Measured in mg/L
Local 1.51
EPA limit 1.3
100% line = listed limit
| Contaminant or rule | System | Status | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| E. COLI | FL6531024 | Archived | Mar 1, 2026through Mar 31, 2026 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | FL6531024 | Archived | Mar 1, 2026through Mar 31, 2026 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | FL6535026 | Archived | Mar 1, 2026through Mar 31, 2026 |
| E. COLI | FL6535026 | Archived | Mar 1, 2026through Mar 31, 2026 |
| LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS | FL6530723 | Unaddressed | Feb 1, 2025 |
| LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONSHealth-based | FL6530723 | Unaddressed | Feb 1, 2025 |
| E. COLI | FL6531739 | Resolved | Dec 1, 2024through Dec 31, 2024 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | FL6531739 | Resolved | Dec 1, 2024through Dec 31, 2024 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | FL6534766 | Resolved | Dec 1, 2024through Dec 31, 2024 |
| E. COLI | FL6534766 | Resolved | Dec 1, 2024through Dec 31, 2024 |
| E. COLI | FL6531837 | Archived | Dec 1, 2024through Dec 31, 2024 |
| E. COLI | FL6530723 | Resolved | Dec 1, 2024through Dec 31, 2024 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | FL6530723 | Resolved | Dec 1, 2024through Dec 31, 2024 |
| E. COLI | FL6530573 | Resolved | Dec 1, 2024through Dec 31, 2024 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | FL6530573 | Resolved | Dec 1, 2024through Dec 31, 2024 |
| E. COLI | FL6531837 | Archived | Aug 1, 2024through Aug 31, 2024 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | FL6531837 | Archived | Aug 1, 2024through Aug 31, 2024 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | FL6530090 | Resolved | Jul 1, 2024through Jul 31, 2024 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | FL6531837 | Resolved | Jul 1, 2024through Jul 31, 2024 |
| E. COLI | FL6531837 | Resolved | Jul 1, 2024through Jul 31, 2024 |
No reported violation does not prove that every contaminant was tested or absent; SDWIS measured values are incomplete and lag state records.
Solutions matcher
Matched to Auburndale ZIP 33823 using 363.5 PPM nearby hardness and 2 reported measurement benchmarks.
Scale protection
363.5 PPM is 3× the high-hardness trigger used by this matcher.
Designed to reduce scale on fixtures, water heaters, glassware, and plumbing throughout the home.
Compare whole-house systemsDrinking water protection
Copper (90th percentile), LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS have a measured benchmark flag or active health-based SDWIS record in this profile.
A certified multi-stage RO system targets a broader range of dissolved contaminants at the kitchen tap.
Explore under-sink filtrationAffiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, at no added cost to you. Product matching is educational and does not replace certified water testing.
Frequently asked
EPA ECHO reports 1 active health-based violation among the associated community water systems. Review the affected utility's current notice and Consumer Confidence Report.
Nearby USGS observations produce an estimate of 363.5 PPM, or 21.3 grains per gallon, classified as very hard. This is not a household tap measurement.
At 363.5 PPM, a correctly sized whole-house softener can reduce scale and hard-water spotting. It does not replace contaminant filtration.