If you live in Denison, you have probably seen it: white crust on the showerhead, spots on clean glasses, and soap that never seems to lather. The likely cause is hard water, and the numbers back it up.
How hard is Denison’s water?
The City of Denison’s 2025 water report lists total hardness at 262 parts per million (ppm), or about 15 grains per gallon. Water above 180 ppm is generally classified as very hard, so Denison city water is well past that line.
Hardness comes from dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. Denison’s water comes from city-owned Lake Randell, supplemented by water transferred from Lake Texoma. Hard water is not considered a health risk, but it can be hard on your home.
Signs of hard water in your home
- White or chalky scale on faucets, showerheads and glass shower doors
- Spots and film on dishes and glassware
- Soap and shampoo that do not lather well
- Dry skin and dull hair
- Stiff, dingy laundry
- Scale inside water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines, which can shorten their life
What actually fixes it
A water softener removes the minerals that cause hardness before they reach your faucets and appliances. Sizing matters. A system should match your water’s hardness and how much water your household uses, which is why it helps to test first.
A softener does not treat everything. It will not remove the chloramine the city uses as a disinfectant, and it will not lower total dissolved solids. If taste and odor are also a concern, filtration or a reverse osmosis system can work alongside a softener.
What if you are on a well?
The city’s report only covers city water. Private wells in rural Grayson, Fannin and Cooke counties can vary a lot from one property to the next, so the only way to know what is in yours is to test it. See our well water solutions to learn more.
Get your water tested for free
Culligan of Denison serves Denison, Sherman, Durant and the surrounding area. Our local team can test your water at your home at no cost and recommend what your home actually needs. Schedule your free water consultation.
