Lombard Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
10 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
338.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.46
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 Lombard, your appliances are currently losing 23% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Lombard | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -54% |
| Washing Machine | 7.2 yrs | 12 yrs | -40% |
| Water Heater | 8.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -42% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Lombard compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Lombard, Illinois | 172 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Villa Park, Illinois | 283.5 mg/L | 9.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Addison, Illinois | 215.5 mg/L | 7.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Glen Ellyn, Illinois | 256.5 mg/L | 8.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Glendale Heights, Illinois | 267.5 mg/L | 9.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Lombard compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Lombard | 172 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Lombard's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Lombard, Illinois, in DuPage County west of Chicago — a major Chicago west suburban community known as the 'Lilac Village' (Lilacia Park — a nationally renowned lilac park, host of the annual Lombard Lilac Festival), home of the Hollywood Casino Aurora corridor and numerous west suburban DuPage County corporate campuses, and a major DuPage County commercial and residential community along the Union Pacific West commuter rail line — draws its municipal water supply from Lake Michigan via the DuPage County Water Commission (DCWC) and the Village of Lombard Water Division. Water hardness in Lombard measures 172 mg/L — classified as hard.
Lombard's hard supply — among the harder DuPage County communities — reflects the central DuPage County distribution infrastructure's significant mineral accumulation. Lombard developed substantially in the 1920s–1960s as one of DuPage County's older west suburban Chicago communities (with roots as a 19th century railroad suburb). The distribution infrastructure includes cast-iron mains from the early-to-mid 20th century Lombard residential buildout era, accumulating substantial mineral content from the Lake Michigan source. The DCWC system distributes Lake Michigan water through this moderately aged Lombard grid, producing the hard 172 mg/L at Lombard household taps.
At 172 mg/L, Lombard residents face regular hard water challenges. Scale deposits form on faucet aerators, showerheads, and appliances within weeks — monthly descaling with citric acid solution is standard maintenance. Village of Lombard Water Division consistently delivers water meeting all Illinois EPA and federal EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Geology & Source: Lake supply from Lake Michigan via the DuPage County Water Commission (DCWC) and the Village of Lombard Water Division — the DuPage County Lake Michigan supply zone at the central DuPage County Lombard–Glen Ellyn suburban corridor; hard supply at 172 mg/L — reflecting the Lombard Lake Michigan distribution infrastructure's mineral accumulation.