Park Ridge Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
9.3 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.9
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
302.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.43
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 Park Ridge, your appliances are currently losing 21% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Park Ridge | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -49% |
| Washing Machine | 7.7 yrs | 12 yrs | -36% |
| Water Heater | 9.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -39% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Park Ridge compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Park Ridge, Illinois | 160 mg/L | 5.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Niles, Illinois | 227.5 mg/L | 7.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Des Plaines, Illinois | 151.5 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Norridge, Illinois | 232.5 mg/L | 8.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Morton Grove, Illinois | 158 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Park Ridge compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Park Ridge | 160 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Park Ridge's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Park Ridge, Illinois, in Cook County — a major near north Cook County Chicago suburban community, the hometown of Hillary Rodham Clinton (the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee and former US Secretary of State — born and raised in Park Ridge), a primarily upper-middle-class and upscale north Cook County community, adjacent to O'Hare International Airport's north, and a diverse near north suburban community — draws its municipal water supply from Lake Michigan via Illinois American Water and the City of Park Ridge Water Division. Water hardness in Park Ridge measures 160 mg/L — classified as hard.
Park Ridge's hard supply reflects the near north Cook County Illinois American Water distribution characteristics and Park Ridge's older infrastructure. Lake Michigan source water is approximately 130–145 mg/L. Park Ridge's distribution infrastructure (significant older north Cook County early 20th century suburban mains from the Park Ridge–Des Plaines corridor's 1900s–1950s buildout era) has accumulated substantial mineral content. The near north Cook County Illinois American Water distribution zone in Park Ridge produces the harder 160 mg/L.
At 160 mg/L, Park Ridge residents face regular hard water challenges. Monthly descaling with citric acid solution is recommended. Illinois American Water consistently delivers water meeting all Illinois EPA and federal EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Geology & Source: Lake supply from Lake Michigan via the Illinois American Water and the City of Park Ridge Water Division — the Cook County near north Chicago suburban corridor (Illinois American Water north suburban Lake Michigan supply zone — Park Ridge north suburban distribution mains from the early 20th century Chicago near north suburb buildout era); hard supply at 160 mg/L — reflecting the older north Cook County infrastructure in the Park Ridge distribution zone.