Lincoln Park Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.1 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
242.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.37
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 Park, your appliances are currently losing 18% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Lincoln Park | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -41% |
| Washing Machine | 8.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -29% |
| Water Heater | 10.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -33% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Lincoln Park compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Lincoln Park, Illinois | 138.5 mg/L | 5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Near North Side, Illinois | 201 mg/L | 7.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| West Town, Illinois | 190.5 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Chicago Loop, Illinois | 221 mg/L | 7.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Ukrainian Village, Illinois | 123.5 mg/L | 4.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Lincoln Park compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Lincoln Park | 138.5 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 Park's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Lincoln Park, Illinois — one of Chicago's most affluent and sought-after north side neighborhoods, known for the Lincoln Park Zoo, North Avenue Beach, and the DePaul University campus — receives its municipal water supply from the City of Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM), drawing Lake Michigan water treated at the Jardine Water Purification Plant and distributed through the north side Chicago neighborhood infrastructure. Lincoln Park is served through the north lakefront distribution zone — directly adjacent to Lake Michigan. Water hardness in Lincoln Park measures 138.5 mg/L — classified as moderately hard.
Lincoln Park's moderately hard supply reflects the north lakefront Chicago DWM distribution zone. The Lincoln Park–Old Town corridor is among Chicago's closest neighborhoods to the Jardine Water Purification Plant intake (the Jardine plant sits just offshore in Lake Michigan near the junction of North Michigan Avenue and the Lake), and the north lakefront distribution infrastructure benefits from direct, shorter transmission paths. The lower 138.5 mg/L reading compared to far north side neighborhoods (West Ridge: 188 mg/L) or south side zones reflects the relatively newer, well-maintained distribution infrastructure in the upscale Lincoln Park neighborhood, where water mains have been more recently replaced and the shorter distribution path reduces mineral accumulation.
At 138.5 mg/L, Lincoln Park residents encounter moderate scale accumulation. Faucet aerators and showerheads develop deposits after several months — monthly cleaning with citric acid solution is practical maintenance. Chicago DWM consistently delivers water meeting all Illinois EPA and federal EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Geology & Source: Lake supply from Lake Michigan via the City of Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) north lakefront distribution — the Chicago north side Lincoln Park neighborhood distribution zone (Clark Street–Lincoln Avenue corridor, near Lincoln Park Zoo and North Avenue Beach); moderately hard supply at 138.5 mg/L — consistent with the north lakefront Chicago neighborhood distribution zone.