Deerfield Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.4 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
257.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.38
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 Deerfield, your appliances are currently losing 19% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Deerfield | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -44% |
| Washing Machine | 8.3 yrs | 12 yrs | -31% |
| Water Heater | 9.8 yrs | 15 yrs | -35% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Deerfield compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Deerfield, Illinois | 144 mg/L | 5.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Highland Park, Illinois | 219.5 mg/L | 7.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Northbrook, Illinois | 251 mg/L | 8.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Lake Forest, Illinois | 259 mg/L | 9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Wheeling, Illinois | 204.5 mg/L | 7.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Deerfield compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Deerfield | 144 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
Bring Badger-quality water to your Deerfield home
Shop water softeners on Amazon.com →
What Makes Deerfield's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Deerfield, Illinois, in Lake County — a Lake County incorporated village adjacent to Highland Park and Riverwoods, in the north Shore suburban Lake County corridor along the North Shore, a wealthy Chicago North Shore community — receives its municipal water from Illinois American Water or the Deerfield Water Division, drawing from Lake Michigan through the North Shore area Lake Michigan supply system.
The moderately hard 144 mg/L hardness and TDS of 257.5 mg/L reflect Lake Michigan's character at the North Shore distribution zone — somewhat softer than the south Cook County readings (Matteson: 248.5 mg/L) because of differences in the Lake Michigan water treatment process and distribution zone. All Chicago-area Lake Michigan supply derives from the same Lake Michigan source, with the Silurian Niagara Dolomite carbonate platform producing the moderately hard water characteristic of the North Shore Lake County supply.
At 144 mg/L, Deerfield'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 5.1 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Lake County industrial corridor (north Shore manufacturing legacy), Naval Station Great Lakes (North Chicago — AFFF user in the Lake Michigan North Shore watershed), and the Lake Michigan North Shore PFAS background contribute to Deerfield's readings.
Geology & Source: Deerfield in Lake County draws from the Illinois American Water or Deerfield Water Division on Lake Michigan (North Shore Water Reclamation District or Chicago Metropolitan system) — Lake Michigan receives drainage from the Great Lakes basin (Silurian Niagara Dolomite, calcareous Pleistocene till) — Lake Michigan Silurian dolomite carbonate drainage produces moderately hard water at 144 mg/L with TDS 258 mg/L in this Lake County Illinois village.