Hazel Crest Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
10.9 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.1
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
384.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.50
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 Hazel Crest, your appliances are currently losing 25% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Hazel Crest | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.4 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -60% |
| Washing Machine | 6.7 yrs | 12 yrs | -44% |
| Water Heater | 8.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -46% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Hazel Crest compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Hazel Crest, Illinois | 186.5 mg/L | 6.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Markham, Illinois | 233 mg/L | 8.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Country Club Hills, Illinois | 273.5 mg/L | 9.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Homewood, Illinois | 253.5 mg/L | 8.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Midlothian, Illinois | 116.5 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Hazel Crest compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Hazel Crest | 186.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Hazel Crest's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Hazel Crest, Illinois, in Cook County — a Cook County village adjacent to Harvey and Homewood in the south Chicago metro — receives its water from the Chicago South Suburban Water Commission, drawing from Lake Michigan (Cook County) through the south Chicago metro distribution.
The hard 186.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 384.5 mg/L are slightly harder than Forest Park (182 mg/L) — both reflect the Cook County Lake Michigan Silurian dolomite supply, with minor variation across the Cook County distribution system. The Lake Michigan at Cook County blends — Precambrian Canadian Shield (insoluble — dilutant via upper Great Lakes), Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (dolomitic — primary hardness contributor), Ordovician calcareous formations (calcareous — secondary contributor), and minor Devonian carbonate (calcareous).
At 186.5 mg/L, Hazel Crest's water is hard — scale builds steadily in kettles and appliances, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and water heaters should be descaled annually. Monthly descaling is recommended. The PFAS level of 6.6 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — O'Hare International Airport (Cook County — AFFF) and the south Chicago industrial corridor contribute to Hazel Crest's readings.
Geology & Source: Hazel Crest in Cook County draws from the Chicago South Suburban Water Commission on Lake Michigan (Cook County, northeast Illinois) — Lake Michigan at Cook County blends Precambrian Laurentian Shield (insoluble) and Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (dolomitic — primary hardness contributor) — Illinois Cook County Lake Michigan Silurian dolomitic supply produces hard water at 186.5 mg/L with TDS 384.5 mg/L.