Where does the water in 36203 come from?

Water for zip code 36203 in Oxford, Alabama is provided by 4 water systems. Contact your local utility for specific source information, or check our detailed page for your area.

Water Hardness in 36203

Q: Is the water hard in Oxford, AL (36203)?

The average water hardness in 36203 is 40 PPM (2.4 GPG), which is classified as soft. No water treatment is typically needed.

Q: Do I need a water softener in 36203?

At 40 PPM, your water is relatively soft. A water softener is generally not necessary, though some homeowners prefer the feel of softened water.

Oxford, Alabama · Calhoun County

40 PPM

2.4 GPG

Soft

0Soft60120180300+

Estimated — Nearby Data

Dataset updated March 9, 2026Matched to 4 water systemsTap readings can vary by utility zone, treatment, and plumbing. Methodology

Source context

How this ZIP reading is built

This ZIP reading is built from 4 matched water systems. When more than one system is matched, the displayed value is weighted toward larger known service populations when that data is available.

Source basis

4 estimated sources

This ZIP reading needs local confirmation before equipment sizing or purchase decisions.

Water source profile

Primarily surface water

Surface-water hardness can shift with reservoirs, runoff, season, and treatment. This profile is weighted by known population served across matched systems.

Data recency

March 9, 2026

Dataset rebuilt March 9, 2026; individual utility reporting years can vary.

Hardness is a mineral-content reading, not a drinking-water safety rating. Use it for scale, appliance, and softener decisions; check your utility report or test your tap before sizing treatment equipment. See how we calculate local readings.

Water Systems Serving 36203

These are the systems matched to this ZIP code. The displayed ZIP value is weighted toward larger known service populations when population data is available.

4 water systems

PWSID is the public water system identifier. Data Source shows whether the hardness value comes from a treated-water report, USGS monitoring, or a local estimate; source year is shown when available.

Water System	Source	Hardness	Pop. Served	Data Source
Anniston Alabama, The Wwsb Of The City O AL0000133	surface water	57 PPM Soft	56,646	Estimated — County Avg
Calhoun County Water Authority AL0000131	surface water	33 PPM Soft	32,796	Estimated — Nearby Data
Oxford Water Works & Sewer Board AL0000162	surface water	9 PPM Soft	29,556	Estimated — Nearby Data
Jacksonville Water Works, Gas And Sewer AL0000154	surface water	57 PPM Soft	14,217	Estimated — Nearby Data

Anniston Alabama, The Wwsb Of The City O

AL0000133

Soft

57 PPMsurface water56,646 servedEstimated — County Avg

Calhoun County Water Authority

AL0000131

Soft

33 PPMsurface water32,796 servedEstimated — Nearby Data

Oxford Water Works & Sewer Board

AL0000162

Soft

9 PPMsurface water29,556 servedEstimated — Nearby Data

Jacksonville Water Works, Gas And Sewer

AL0000154

Soft

57 PPMsurface water14,217 servedEstimated — Nearby Data

Nearby Zip Codes

3620140 3626853 3620540 3626040 3625840 3620740 3620640 3627746 3625040 3509645 3626457 362669

What This Means For You

Recommendations are based on the displayed ZIP hardness reading. Confirm your tap reading before sizing or buying treatment equipment.

Your Water Is Soft

Your water hardness is in the soft range. You likely don't need a water softener. Enjoy your naturally soft water!

Know your water hardness?

If you've tested your water or have your utility's CCR report, share your reading to help us improve accuracy for Oxford, AL (36203).

Submit Your Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water hard in Oxford, AL (36203)?

Our estimate for 36203 is 40 PPM (2.4 GPG), but it is based on nearby, county, or state-level data rather than a direct treated tap-water report for this exact location. Confirm with your utility or a home test.

Do I need a water softener in 36203?

Do not size a softener from this estimate alone. Confirm the actual tap-water hardness before choosing treatment equipment.

Is hard water in 36203 safe to drink?

Water hardness itself is a mineral-content reading, not a drinking-water safety rating. Calcium and magnesium are naturally occurring minerals, but you should check your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for contaminant and compliance information.

How many water systems serve 36203?

Zip code 36203 in Oxford, Alabama is served by 4 water systems.

Learn More About Your Water

Water Hardness Scale: PPM and GPG Chart

Use the USGS water hardness scale to compare PPM, GPG, and mg/L levels from soft to very hard water.

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How to Test Water Hardness at Home

Compare free lookups, soap tests, test strips, liquid drop kits, and lab tests for measuring water hardness.

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