Sycamore 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
302.5 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 Sycamore, your appliances are currently losing 21% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Sycamore | 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 Sycamore compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Sycamore, Illinois | 160 mg/L | 5.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| DeKalb, Illinois | 136 mg/L | 4.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Wasco, Illinois | 149 mg/L | 5.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Village of Campton Hills, Illinois | 165.5 mg/L | 5.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Huntley, Illinois | 278 mg/L | 9.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Sycamore compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Sycamore | 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 Sycamore's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Sycamore, Illinois, in DeKalb County — the DeKalb County seat adjacent to DeKalb and Genoa on the Kishwaukee River in north-central Illinois — receives its municipal water from the Sycamore Water Division, drawing from the Kishwaukee River (DeKalb County) through the Sycamore treatment plant.
The moderately hard 160 mg/L hardness and TDS of 302.5 mg/L reflect the north-central Illinois Kishwaukee River's Silurian Niagara Dolomite carbonate character — similar to other north Illinois river supply communities (Elgin IL: 167 mg/L — also Fox River Silurian dolomite). The Kishwaukee River drains the Illinois Till Plain — Silurian Niagara Dolomite (the dominant north Illinois carbonate platform), calcareous Pleistocene Woodfordian till (ground-up dolomite and limestone), and the DeKalb County glacial outwash. The Silurian Niagara Dolomite and calcareous till combine to produce the characteristic north Illinois moderate hardness.
At 160 mg/L, Sycamore's water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and bathroom fixtures develop calcium deposits. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.7 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the DeKalb County agricultural drainage corridor (PFAS from field applications in the north Illinois corn belt), the Kishwaukee River industrial background, and the north Illinois PFAS complex contribute to Sycamore's readings.
Geology & Source: Sycamore in DeKalb County draws from the Sycamore Water Division on the Kishwaukee River (DeKalb County, north-central Illinois) — the Kishwaukee drains the Illinois Till Plain (Silurian Niagara Dolomite, calcareous Pleistocene Woodfordian till) — Illinois DeKalb County Kishwaukee River Silurian dolomite carbonate watershed produces moderately hard water at 160 mg/L with TDS 302.5 mg/L in this DeKalb County Illinois city.