Bellwood Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.1 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
243.8 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.37
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 Bellwood, your appliances are currently losing 19% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Bellwood | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -41% |
| Washing Machine | 8.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -29% |
| Water Heater | 10 yrs | 15 yrs | -33% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Bellwood compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Bellwood, Illinois | 139 mg/L | 5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Westchester, Illinois | 192 mg/L | 6.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Melrose Park, Illinois | 279 mg/L | 9.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Northlake, Illinois | 254 mg/L | 8.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Maywood, Illinois | 253.5 mg/L | 8.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Bellwood compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Bellwood | 139 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Bellwood's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Bellwood, Illinois, in Cook County — a Cook County incorporated village in the western Chicago suburbs adjacent to Maywood and Hillside, a Chicago west suburb on the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) corridor — receives its municipal water from the Village of Bellwood Water Department or through the DuPage Water Commission distribution, drawing from Lake Michigan through the Chicago metropolitan system.
The moderately hard 139 mg/L hardness and TDS of 243.8 mg/L are somewhat softer than the typical Chicago metropolitan Lake Michigan supply (Alsip: 236 mg/L; Homewood: 253.5 mg/L) — indicating Bellwood may draw from the western Chicago distribution zone with greater treatment or a different blending in the DuPage-Cook boundary supply zone. The DuPage Water Commission serves west Cook and DuPage County communities from the same Lake Michigan source, with distribution system chemistry that can vary from the direct Chicago distribution.
At 139 mg/L, Bellwood'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 5.0 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Chicago west suburban industrial corridor, O'Hare Airport area PFAS (aviation AFFF), and the Chicago metropolitan Lake Michigan PFAS background contribute to Bellwood's readings.
Geology & Source: Bellwood in Cook County draws from the Village of Bellwood Water Department or DuPage Water Commission on Lake Michigan (Chicago metropolitan system) — Lake Michigan receives drainage from the Great Lakes Lowland (Silurian Niagara Dolomite) and the Laurentian Shield — Lake Michigan Silurian dolomite carbonate drainage produces moderately hard water at 139 mg/L with TDS 244 mg/L in this Cook County Illinois village.