Englewood Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Englewood, Illinois, in Cook County — a major south Chicago neighborhood with deep African-American cultural heritage (Englewood is a significant Cook County neighborhood on Chicago's south side — one of the most historically important and economically challenged communities in Chicago; Englewood was a prosperous working-class and middle-class community through the early-mid 20th century before experiencing dramatic economic decline following the departure of manufacturing industries, white flight, and the effects of urban renewal policies (Englewood once had one of the most vibrant commercial corridors on Chicago's south side at 63rd and Halsted — in the early 20th century, the 63rd Street commercial district was one of the busiest shopping and entertainment areas in Chicago)); Englewood has been deeply affected by poverty and violence — the community has been at the center of Chicago's gun violence crisis and has some of the highest poverty rates in the city (numerous initiatives from the City of Chicago and community organizations have worked to address the Englewood community's challenges; the Resident Association of Greater Englewood (RAGE) and other community organizations have led significant community development efforts)); Englewood is the home of Kennedy–King College (one of the City Colleges of Chicago) and has significant community garden and urban agriculture initiatives, a diverse Cook County community with a primarily African-American population — draws its municipal water supply from Lake Michigan via the Chicago Department of Water Management. Water hardness in Englewood measures 252.5 mg/L — classified as very hard.

Englewood's very hard supply reflects the south Chicago Cook County Lake Michigan corridor's calcareous character. The Lake Michigan supply draws dissolved carbonates from the Great Lakes basin; limited Chicago softening produces the very hard 252.5 mg/L.

At 252.5 mg/L, Englewood residents face significant hard water challenges. Regular water softeners and descaling are strongly recommended. Chicago DOWM consistently delivers water meeting all Illinois EPA and federal EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.