Lincoln Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
7.7 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
226.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.35
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 Lincoln, your appliances are currently losing 18% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Lincoln | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -39% |
| Washing Machine | 8.7 yrs | 12 yrs | -28% |
| Water Heater | 10.3 yrs | 15 yrs | -31% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Lincoln compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Lincoln, Illinois | 132.5 mg/L | 4.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Springfield, Illinois | 200.5 mg/L | 7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Morton, Illinois | 157.5 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Bloomington, Illinois | 191.5 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Pekin, Illinois | 176.5 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Lincoln compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Lincoln | 132.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Lincoln's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Lincoln, Illinois, in Logan County — the Logan County seat adjacent to Bloomington and Springfield on the Sangamon River in central Illinois — receives its water from the Lincoln Water Division, drawing from Lake Kickapoo reservoir or the Sangamon River (Logan County) through the central Illinois water treatment system.
The moderately hard 132.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 226.7 mg/L reflect the central Illinois Logan County supply's moderate calcareous character — typical of the Illinois Till Plains zone where the Mississippian Salem Limestone and Devonian calcareous bedrock dissolution through glacial till produces consistently moderately hard water throughout the central Illinois region. The Logan County watershed drains the Illinois Till Plains — Mississippian Salem Limestone (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Devonian Geneva Dolomite (dolomitic — secondary contributor), and Quaternary calcareous glacial till (calcareous).
At 132.5 mg/L, Lincoln'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 4.7 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Logan County central Illinois industrial corridor and the Sangamon River basin legacy sites contribute to Lincoln's readings.
Geology & Source: Lincoln in Logan County draws from the Lincoln Water Division on the Sangamon River or Lake Kickapoo reservoir (Logan County, central Illinois) — the watershed drains the Illinois Till Plains (Mississippian Salem Limestone — calcareous) through calcareous glacial till — Illinois Logan County Sangamon River Mississippian calcareous limestone till watershed produces moderately hard water at 132.5 mg/L with TDS 226.7 mg/L.