Sterling Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
7.9 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.9
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
315.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.36
energy & soap waste
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Sterling, your appliances are currently losing 18% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Sterling | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -39% |
| Washing Machine | 8.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -28% |
| Water Heater | 10.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -32% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Sterling compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Sterling, Colorado | 134.5 mg/L | 4.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Scottsbluff, Nebraska | 127.5 mg/L | 2.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Evans, Colorado | 119 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Greeley, Colorado | 149.5 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Cheyenne, Wyoming | 87.5 mg/L | 1.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Sterling compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Sterling | 134.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Sterling's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Sterling, Colorado, in Logan County — the Logan County seat adjacent to Fort Morgan and Greeley on the South Platte River in northeast Colorado — receives its water from the Sterling Utilities, drawing from the South Platte River (Logan County) through the northeast Colorado distribution.
The moderately hard 134.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 315.9 mg/L reflect the northeast Colorado South Platte River supply's moderate calcareous character — harder than the Colorado Front Range mountain supplies but typical of the northeastern plains South Platte River communities receiving dissolved minerals from both the Front Range granite and Great Plains sedimentary dissolution. The South Platte at Logan County drains the Colorado Front Range — Precambrian granite (insoluble — dilutant), Cretaceous Pierre Shale (slightly calcareous — primary contributor), and Tertiary White River Group sedimentary formations (calcareous — secondary contributor).
At 134.5 mg/L, Sterling's water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need periodic cleaning. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.6 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — Buckley Air Force Base (Arapahoe County — AFFF) and the northeast Colorado South Platte corridor contribute to Sterling's readings.
Geology & Source: Sterling in Logan County draws from the Sterling Utility on the South Platte River (Logan County, northeast Colorado) — the South Platte at Logan County drains the Colorado Front Range (Precambrian granite — insoluble) and the Great Plains (Cretaceous Pierre Shale — slightly calcareous, Permian evaporitic formations) — Colorado Logan County South Platte River Front Range calcareous watershed produces moderately hard water at 134.5 mg/L with TDS 315.9 mg/L.