Where does the water in 78609 come from?

Water for zip code 78609 in Buchanan Dam, Texas 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 78609

Q: Is the water hard in Buchanan Dam, TX (78609)?

The average water hardness in 78609 is 181 PPM (10.6 GPG), which is classified as hard. A water softener is recommended to protect your plumbing and appliances.

Q: Do I need a water softener in 78609?

With hardness of 181 PPM, a water softener is recommended for homes in 78609. Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances, spotty dishes, and dry skin.

Buchanan Dam, Texas · Llano County

181 PPM

10.6 GPG

Hard

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 78609

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
Kingsland Wsc TX1500012	surface water	165 PPM Moderately Hard	12,975	Estimated — Nearby Data
City Of Horseshoe Bay TX1500015	surface water	165 PPM Moderately Hard	12,729	Estimated — Nearby Data
Lake Buchanan TX1500037	surface water	334 PPM Very Hard	2,484	Estimated — County Avg
Lake Front Buchanan TX1500033	groundwater	432 PPM Very Hard	69	Estimated — Nearby Data

Kingsland Wsc

TX1500012

Moderately Hard

165 PPMsurface water12,975 servedEstimated — Nearby Data

City Of Horseshoe Bay

TX1500015

Moderately Hard

165 PPMsurface water12,729 servedEstimated — Nearby Data

Lake Buchanan

TX1500037

Very Hard

334 PPMsurface water2,484 servedEstimated — County Avg

Lake Front Buchanan

TX1500033

Very Hard

432 PPMgroundwater69 servedEstimated — Nearby Data

Nearby Zip Codes

78607180 78639185 78672180 78611239 76824238 78643185 78657179 78654443 78605434 76832406 76885180 78663185

What This Means For You

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

Hard Water - Treatment Recommended

Your water is hard. Scale buildup is likely affecting your plumbing and appliances, reducing their lifespan and efficiency. A water softener is recommended to protect your home.

Recommended Products

Salt-Based Water Softener

Our PickAFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT 48K Also GreatWhirlpool WHES40E 40K Also GreatAFWFilters 64K Grain Also GreatAFWFilters Iron Pro 2 64K Also GreatSpringWell Filter + Softener Combo

Salt-Free Water Conditioner

Our PickSpringWell Salt-Free Cartridge

Water Hardness Test Kit

Our PickVarify (150 Strips)Also GreatJNW Direct (150 Strips)

Shower Head Filter

Our PickWeddell Duo Also GreatAquaBliss SF100 Also GreatSprite Pure 7-Setting Also GreatAqua Earth 20-Stage

Water Softener Salt

Our PickMorton Clean & Protect Also GreatDiamond Crystal Bright & Soft

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 Buchanan Dam, TX (78609).

Submit Your Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water hard in Buchanan Dam, TX (78609)?

Our estimate for 78609 is 181 PPM (10.6 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 78609?

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

Is hard water in 78609 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 78609?

Zip code 78609 in Buchanan Dam, Texas is served by 4 water systems.