Crystal Lake Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.6 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
179 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.30
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 Crystal Lake, your appliances are currently losing 15% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Crystal Lake | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -31% |
| Washing Machine | 9.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -22% |
| Water Heater | 11.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -26% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Crystal Lake compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Crystal Lake, Illinois | 113 mg/L | 4.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Lake in the Hills, Illinois | 271.5 mg/L | 9.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Algonquin, Illinois | 227 mg/L | 7.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Cary, Illinois | 119 mg/L | 4.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| McHenry, Illinois | 264.5 mg/L | 9.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Crystal Lake compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Crystal Lake | 113 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Crystal Lake's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Crystal Lake, Illinois, the McHenry County seat — a major northwest Illinois exurban Chicago community, McHenry County's largest city, home of the Crystal Lake and Lake in the Hills aquatic areas (a network of natural and manmade lakes that define the McHenry County lake country recreation area), a major McHenry County residential and commercial community in the Chicago far northwest exurban fringe — draws its municipal water supply from Lake Michigan via Illinois American Water and the City of Crystal Lake Water Division. Water hardness in Crystal Lake measures 113 mg/L — classified as moderately hard.
Crystal Lake's moderate hardness reflects the McHenry County northwest Illinois American Water distribution characteristics. While Lake Michigan source water is approximately 130–145 mg/L, Crystal Lake's distribution zone (primarily 1970s–2000s McHenry County exurban buildout era mains) has accumulated moderate mineral content. The McHenry County Illinois American Water distribution zone in the Crystal Lake area produces the moderate 113 mg/L — slightly softer than some closer-in Chicago suburbs due to the relatively newer McHenry County exurban infrastructure.
At 113 mg/L, Crystal Lake residents encounter moderate scale accumulation. Monthly cleaning with citric acid solution is recommended. Illinois American Water consistently delivers water meeting all Illinois EPA and federal EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Geology & Source: Lake supply from Lake Michigan via the Illinois American Water and the City of Crystal Lake Water Division — the McHenry County northwest Illinois Lake Michigan supply zone (Wisconsin Age calcareous Lake Michigan Lobe dolomite till + Silurian Niagara Dolomite aquifer substrate); moderately hard supply at 113 mg/L — reflecting the McHenry County northwest Illinois American Water distribution in the Crystal Lake zone.