Water hardness in Louisiana, defined by the concentration of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium, varies considerably across the state due to its diverse geological features. Located in the Southern U.S., Louisiana’s water hardness levels are influenced by the state’s unique geological formations.
Across Louisiana, water hardness can range from moderately soft to very hard. For instance, areas with limestone or sedimentary rock formations, particularly in parts of the northern and central regions of the state, may experience harder water due to higher mineral content. In contrast, the southern coastal areas, where the geology includes more sediment deposits from the Gulf of Mexico, often have softer water.
This variation in water hardness across Louisiana impacts not only the taste and appearance of the water but also the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, the maintenance of plumbing systems, and the longevity of water-using appliances. Given the state’s geological diversity, water hardness is not consistent statewide, underscoring the importance of localized water treatment solutions and continuous monitoring of water quality.
In the provided data, the water hardness levels show substantial variations across different cities in Louisiana. Among the cities for which data is reported, the highest water hardness levels are recorded in Kenner and Houma, with hardness levels of 142 ppm (8.3 gpg) and 98 ppm (5.7 gpg), respectively.
City | Hardness ppm (mg/L) | Hardness gpg | Information Source | Notes |
New Orleans | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Baton Rouge | n/a | n/a | Link | Says it has “a natural low hardness concentration” but doesn’t quantify. Low hardness would be 0-60 according to USGS. |
Shreveport | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Lafayette | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Lake Charles | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Kenner | 142.0 | 8.3 | Link | |
Bossier City | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Monroe | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Alexandria | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Houma | 98.0 | 5.7 | Link | |
Central | n/a | n/a | Link | Covered by Baton Rouge |
Slidell | n/a | n/a | Link | |
New Iberia | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Hammond | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Ruston | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Sulphur | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Zachary | n/a | n/a | Link | East Baton Rouge |
Youngsville | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Natchitoches | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Gretna | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Thibodaux | 98.0 | 5.7 | Link | Joint with Houma |
Opelousas | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Broussard | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Pineville | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Gonzales | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Mandeville | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Carencro | n/a | n/a | Link | |
West Monroe | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Baker | n/a | n/a | Link | East Baton Rouge |
Covington | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Crowley | n/a | n/a | Link | Report says they add lime to reduce hardness but don’t quantify |
Minden | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Abbeville | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Morgan City | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Bogalusa | n/a | n/a | Link | |
DeRidder | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Jennings | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Denham Springs | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Eunice | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Bastrop | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Scott | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Harahan | n/a | n/a | Link | Covered by New Orleans |
Westwego | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Ponchatoula | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Addis | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Breaux Bridge | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Rayne | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Donaldsonville | n/a | n/a | Link | |
St. Gabriel | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Oakdale | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Walker | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Franklin | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Ville Platte | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Plaquemine | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Tallulah | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Patterson | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Leesville | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Grambling | n/a | n/a | Link | |
St. Martinville | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Port Allen | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Marksville | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Winnsboro | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Westlake | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Jeanerette | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Mansfield | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Berwick | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Springhill | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Haughton | n/a | n/a | Link | |
New Roads | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Kaplan | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Jena | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Amite City | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Church Point | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Jonesboro | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Jackson | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Winnfield | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Vidalia | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Ball | n/a | n/a | Link | Part of Pineville |
Richwood | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Franklinton | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Blanchard | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Welsh | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Farmerville | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Rayville | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Bunkie | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Lake Providence | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Iowa | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Vinton | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Greenwood | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Sunset | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Ferriday | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Vivian | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Lutcher | n/a | n/a | Link | |
DeQuincy | n/a | n/a | Link | Report says they add lime to reduce hardness but don’t quantify |
Mamou | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Maurice | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Gramercy | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Abita Springs | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Pearl River | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Homer | n/a | n/a | Link |
ppm = Parts Per Million
mg/L = Milligrams Per Liter
gpg = Grains Per Gallon
Hard water can cause issues such as mineral buildup in plumbing and appliances, reduce the efficacy of soaps and detergents, and affect the taste of the water. A tried and true solution is the use of a water softener. A water softener, like the ones from DROP, could be a worthwhile investment.
These devices work by replacing the calcium and magnesium ions that cause hardness with sodium ions, resulting in softer water. With innovative features, easy installation, and efficient operation, DROP smart water softeners provide a solution to hard water issues, extending the lifespan of appliances, improving water taste, enhancing soap effectiveness, reducing scale build-up, and increasing the overall water efficiency in your home.