Water Hardness in South Dakota Cities

Water hardness is determined by the concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water, and this characteristic can greatly differ across the United States, influenced by the specific geological and environmental conditions of each region.

In South Dakota, the range of water hardness can vary from moderate to very hard, depending largely on the geological makeup of the region and the sources of its water supply. South Dakota’s terrain, which encompasses vast agricultural areas, combined with its dependence on both surface water and groundwater, plays a significant role in determining the state’s water hardness levels. Within South Dakota, the degree of water hardness can vary noticeably from one area to another and may also change over time in a specific locale due to alterations in water treatment methods and shifts in water sources. These fluctuations in hardness can affect various aspects, including the water’s taste. Additionally, it can influence the performance of soaps and detergents, presenting challenges for households and industries alike in terms of maintaining water quality and ensuring the efficiency of equipment.

The water hardness levels in South Dakota show variability across different cities, with measurements indicated in parts per million (ppm) and grains per gallon (gpg). Sioux Falls exhibits a notably high hardness level at 248.21ppm or 14.50gpg. Similarly, cities like Mitchell and Springfield, alongside Parkston and Freeman, report a high hardness at 299.57ppm, equating to 17.50gpg. Watertown’s water hardness is somewhat lower but still significant at 225.00ppm or 13.00gpg. On the other end of the spectrum, Tea and Lennox have more moderate levels of hardness, both at 160ppm or 9gpg. Milbank stands out for its exceptionally high water hardness, recorded at 650.48ppm or 38.00gpg, marking it as an outlier in terms of water hardness in the state. Conversely, several cities, including Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, and many others, did not have available data on their water hardness.

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.