Washington Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.7 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.9
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
272.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.40
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 Washington, your appliances are currently losing 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Washington | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -45% |
| Washing Machine | 8.1 yrs | 12 yrs | -33% |
| Water Heater | 9.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -36% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Washington compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Washington, Illinois | 149.5 mg/L | 5.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Morton, Illinois | 157.5 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| East Peoria, Illinois | 207.5 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| North Peoria, Illinois | 245 mg/L | 8.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Peoria, Illinois | 183 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Washington compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Washington | 149.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Washington's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Washington, Illinois, in Tazewell County — a Tazewell County city adjacent to East Peoria and Morton in the central Illinois Peoria metro — receives its municipal water from the Washington Water Division, drawing from the Mackinaw River (Tazewell County) or the Illinois American Water system through the central Illinois distribution network.
The moderately hard 149.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 272.5 mg/L reflect the central Illinois Till Plain's moderate carbonate character. The Mackinaw River at Tazewell County drains the Illinois Till Plain — Silurian Niagara Dolomite (the dominant Illinois carbonate platform — moderately outcropping), Ordovician Galena Dolomite (calcareous), and calcareous Pleistocene Shelby Lobe till (ground-up dolomite and limestone). The Tazewell County mix of insoluble upland and carbonate-rich till produces the moderately hard central Illinois supply.
At 149.5 mg/L, Washington's water is moderately 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 5.3 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Tazewell County central Illinois industrial corridor (Caterpillar Peoria manufacturing complex), and the central Illinois agricultural PFAS background contribute to Washington's readings.
Geology & Source: Washington in Tazewell County draws from the Washington Water Division on the Mackinaw River (Tazewell County, central Illinois) — the Mackinaw drains the Illinois Till Plain (Silurian Niagara Dolomite, Ordovician Galena Dolomite, calcareous Pleistocene Shelby Lobe till) — Illinois Tazewell County Mackinaw River Silurian-Ordovician carbonate watershed produces moderately hard water at 149.5 mg/L with TDS 272.5 mg/L in this Tazewell County Illinois city.