Where does the water in 71226 come from?

Water for zip code 71226 in Chatham, Louisiana is provided by 2 water systems. Contact your local utility for specific source information, or check our detailed page for your area.

Water Hardness in 71226

Chatham, Louisiana · Jackson Parish County

2 PPM

0.1 GPG

Soft

0Soft60120180300+

High Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Dataset updated March 9, 2026Matched to 2 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 2 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

2 USGS-backed sources

2 matched systems total for this ZIP; USGS monitoring is used where treated-water reports are unavailable.

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 71226

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.

2 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
Chatham Water System LA1049004	groundwater	2 PPM Soft	1,557	High Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Ebenezer Water System LA1049026	groundwater	2 PPM Soft	780	High Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Chatham Water System

LA1049004

Soft

2 PPMgroundwater1,557 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Ebenezer Water System

LA1049026

Soft

2 PPMgroundwater780 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Nearby Zip Codes

7123830 714738 71251231 71247231 7129230 7142212 71268231 7122530 712273 712703 714356 714156

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 Chatham, LA (71226).

Submit Your Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water hard in Chatham, LA (71226)?

The average water hardness in 71226 is 2 PPM (0.1 GPG), which is classified as soft.

Do I need a water softener in 71226?

At 2 PPM, your water is relatively soft. A water softener is generally not necessary.

Is hard water in 71226 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 71226?

Zip code 71226 in Chatham, Louisiana is served by 2 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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