Where does the water in 36442 come from?

Water for zip code 36442 in Florala, Alabama is provided by 5 water systems. Contact your local utility for specific source information, or check our detailed page for your area.

Water Hardness in 36442

Q: Is the water hard in Florala, AL (36442)?

The average water hardness in 36442 is 28 PPM (1.6 GPG), which is classified as soft. No water treatment is typically needed.

Q: Do I need a water softener in 36442?

At 28 PPM, your water is relatively soft. A water softener is generally not necessary, though some homeowners prefer the feel of softened water.

Florala, Alabama · Covington County

28 PPM

1.6 GPG

Soft

0Soft60120180300+

Estimated — Nearby Data

Dataset updated March 9, 2026Matched to 5 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 5 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

5 estimated sources

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

Water source profile

Primarily groundwater

Groundwater commonly picks up calcium and magnesium after contact with rock and soil. 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 36442

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.

5 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
Andalusia, Utilities Board Of AL0000356	groundwater	21 PPM Soft	15,252	Estimated — Nearby Data
Covington County Water Authority AL0000361	groundwater	21 PPM Soft	13,224	Estimated — Nearby Data
Opp Utilities Board AL0000375	groundwater	21 PPM Soft	10,266	Estimated — Nearby Data
Florala Water Works & Sewer Board AL0000363	groundwater	93 PPM Slightly Hard	3,834	Estimated — Nearby Data
Gantt Water System AL0000364	groundwater	21 PPM Soft	801	Estimated — Nearby Data

Andalusia, Utilities Board Of

AL0000356

Soft

21 PPMgroundwater15,252 servedEstimated — Nearby Data

Covington County Water Authority

AL0000361

Soft

21 PPMgroundwater13,224 servedEstimated — Nearby Data

Opp Utilities Board

AL0000375

Soft

21 PPMgroundwater10,266 servedEstimated — Nearby Data

Florala Water Works & Sewer Board

AL0000363

Slightly Hard

93 PPMgroundwater3,834 servedEstimated — Nearby Data

Gantt Water System

AL0000364

Soft

21 PPMgroundwater801 servedEstimated — Nearby Data

Nearby Zip Codes

3645523 3256755 3642021 3645393 3646721 3647793 3648321 32433202 3647621 3253155 3253956 3631893

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 Florala, AL (36442).

Submit Your Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water hard in Florala, AL (36442)?

Our estimate for 36442 is 28 PPM (1.6 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 36442?

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

Is hard water in 36442 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 36442?

Zip code 36442 in Florala, Alabama is served by 5 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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