Kenwood Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
12.6 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.006 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
484.8 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.57
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 Kenwood, your appliances are currently losing 29% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Kenwood | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 2.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -71% |
| Washing Machine | 5.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -53% |
| Water Heater | 7 yrs | 15 yrs | -53% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Kenwood compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Kenwood, Illinois | 215.5 mg/L | 7.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Hyde Park, Illinois | 280.5 mg/L | 9.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Grand Boulevard, Illinois | 108 mg/L | 3.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Woodlawn, Illinois | 258.5 mg/L | 9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Douglas, Illinois | 173.5 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Kenwood compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Kenwood | 215.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Kenwood's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Kenwood, Illinois, in Cook County — a Cook County neighborhood on the south side of Chicago adjacent to Hyde Park and Grand Boulevard, a historic Chicago community near the Museum of Science and Industry — receives its municipal water from the Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM), drawing from Lake Michigan at the Chicago crib intakes through the Chicago filtration system.
The very hard 215.5 mg/L hardness and elevated TDS of 484.8 mg/L are harder than recent West Garfield Park readings (182.5 mg/L, TDS 371.5) — normal variability within the Chicago Lake Michigan distribution system across measurement periods. The Chicago Lake Michigan supply is derived from the same Silurian Niagara Dolomite Great Lakes basin carbonate drainage throughout all Chicago neighborhoods, with variation reflecting seasonal and zonal differences in the massive Chicago distribution network.
At 215.5 mg/L, Kenwood's water is very hard — scale builds rapidly in kettles and appliances, and a water softener is strongly recommended for appliance protection. Monthly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 7.5 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the South Side Chicago industrial corridor, the Lake Michigan PFAS accumulation from the Great Lakes multi-state drainage basin, and the north Illinois PFAS background contribute to Kenwood's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Kenwood in Cook County draws from Chicago Department of Water Management on Lake Michigan (Cook County, northeastern Illinois) — Lake Michigan receives Great Lakes drainage (Silurian Niagara Dolomite, calcareous Pleistocene Michigan Lobe till) — Illinois Lake Michigan Silurian dolomite carbonate drainage produces very hard water at 215.5 mg/L with TDS 484.8 mg/L in this Cook County Illinois neighborhood.