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Water Hardness in 52601

Burlington, Iowa · Des Moines County

293 PPM
17.1 GPG
Very Hard
0Soft60120180300+
High Confidence — USGS Monitoring

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
3 USGS-backed sources
4 matched systems total for this ZIP; USGS monitoring is used where treated-water reports are unavailable.
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 52601

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.
Burlington Municipal Waterworks
IA2909053
Very Hard
280 PPMsurface water26,015 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Rathbun Reg Wtr Assn (Burlington)
IA0400902
Very Hard
335 PPMsurface water8,375 servedEstimated — Nearby Data
Middletown Water Supply
IA2952075
Very Hard
280 PPMsurface water336 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Green Acres Mobile Home Park
IA2900603
Very Hard
280 PPMgroundwater190 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Nearby Zip Codes

What This Means For You

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

Very Hard Water - Treatment Strongly Recommended

Your water is very hard. Without treatment, you can expect significant scale buildup in pipes and appliances, higher energy bills from reduced water heater efficiency, and persistent issues with skin and hair dryness.

Recommended Products

Learn more: Do I Need a Water Softener? | Salt-Based vs Salt-Free | Size Calculator | How to Test Your 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 Burlington, IA (52601).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water hard in Burlington, IA (52601)?

The average water hardness in 52601 is 293 PPM (17.1 GPG), which is classified as very hard.

Do I need a water softener in 52601?

With hardness of 293 PPM, a water softener is recommended for homes in 52601.

Is hard water in 52601 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 52601?

Zip code 52601 in Burlington, Iowa is served by 4 water systems.

Learn More About Your Water