Palos Heights Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.9 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.9
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
279.6 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.41
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 Palos Heights, your appliances are currently losing 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Palos Heights | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -46% |
| Washing Machine | 8 yrs | 12 yrs | -33% |
| Water Heater | 9.5 yrs | 15 yrs | -37% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Palos Heights compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Palos Heights, Illinois | 152 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Palos Hills, Illinois | 152.5 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Chicago Ridge, Illinois | 173 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Oak Lawn, Illinois | 273 mg/L | 9.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Alsip, Illinois | 236 mg/L | 8.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Palos Heights compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Palos Heights | 152 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Palos Heights's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Palos Heights, Illinois, in Cook County — a Cook County city adjacent to Orland Park and Palos Hills in the southwest Chicago metro — receives its water from the Illinois American Water, drawing from the Illinois River or Lake Michigan (Cook County) through the southwest Chicago metro distribution.
The hard 152 mg/L hardness and TDS of 279.6 mg/L are identical to Channahon IL in Will County on the same distribution supply — reflecting the southwest Cook County Illinois American Water supply's hard dolomitic character (compare Markham IL: 233/551 harder in south Cook County on the Chicago DWM supply; Palos Heights softer from the Illinois American Water blend). The Lake Michigan at Cook County — Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (dolomitic — primary hardness contributor), Devonian carbonate shelf (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Great Lakes drift (calcareous — minor TDS).
At 152 mg/L with TDS 280, Palos Heights' water is 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 5.4 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Cook County southwest Chicago industrial corridor contribute to Palos Heights' elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Palos Heights in Cook County draws from the Illinois American Water on the Illinois River or Lake Michigan (Cook County, southwest Chicago metro, Illinois) — Lake Michigan at Cook County drains the Great Lakes basin (Silurian Niagaran Dolomite — dolomitic) and Devonian carbonate shelf (calcareous) — Illinois Cook County Lake Michigan Silurian-Devonian dolomitic supply produces hard water at 152 mg/L with TDS 279.6 mg/L.