KUB's water service area is located in the center of the Appalachian watershed and is surrounded by one of the most abundant and safe water supplies in the nation. Our water is moderately hard.

The KUB Water Quality Laboratory, which performs more than 25,000 drinking water tests a year, monitors the water supply to ensure the highest standards. This facility uses a battery of sophisticated tests to detect organic chemicals, trace metals, inorganics, specific ions, and microbiological contaminants.

The lab also tests the water's aesthetic qualities, such as color and taste, to maintain the highest possible level of quality for all customers. The results of the extensive tests, which are included in our annual Water Quality Report, show that KUB complies with all state and federal requirements and has always met or exceeded drinking water quality standards. KUB stands ready to assist industries in ensuring that their needs for water quality and quantity are met. 

Water hardness is primarily caused by compounds of calcium and magnesium, along with a variety of other minerals.

Many people consider hard water, which contains essential minerals, the preferred drinking water for health benefits and flavor. Hard water does require more soap and synthetic detergents for home laundry and washing, however, and can contribute to scaling in boilers and industrial equipment.

General guidelines for classification of water hardness:

• Soft: 0 to 60 milligrams per liter (mg/L) calcium carbonate
• Moderately Hard: 61 to 120 mg/L [KUB water is moderately hard]
• Hard: 121 to 180 mg/L
• Very Hard: More than 180 mg/L
• Hardest: Greater than 1,000 mg/L

According to the United States Geographic Survey, soft water generally occurs in parts of the New England, South Atlantic-Gulf, Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii regions. Moderately hard water is common in many of the rivers of the Tennessee, Great Lakes, Pacific Northwest, and Alaska regions. Hard and very hard waters were found in some streams in most regions throughout the country. Hardest waters (greater than 1,000 mg/L) were measured in streams in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Arizona, and southern California.