Waukegan Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
9.5 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
311.4 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 Waukegan, your appliances are currently losing 22% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Waukegan | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -51% |
| Washing Machine | 7.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -37% |
| Water Heater | 9.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -39% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Waukegan compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Waukegan, Illinois | 163 mg/L | 5.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| North Chicago, Illinois | 237 mg/L | 8.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Gurnee, Illinois | 146.5 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Beach Park, Illinois | 125.5 mg/L | 4.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Zion, Illinois | 279.5 mg/L | 9.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Waukegan compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Waukegan | 163 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Waukegan's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Waukegan, Illinois, in Lake County on Lake Michigan at the Wisconsin border, draws its municipal water supply directly from Lake Michigan via the City of Waukegan Water Division, operating its own Lake Michigan intake and water treatment plant on Waukegan Harbor. Waukegan draws directly from Lake Michigan rather than through the Chicago MWRD system. Water hardness measures 163 mg/L — classified as hard, somewhat higher than Chicago (148 mg/L) on the same Lake Michigan source.
Waukegan's slightly harder reading compared to Chicago reflects the northern Lake Michigan water chemistry in the Lake County zone. Both cities draw from Lake Michigan, but the northern Lake Michigan shoreline zone adjacent to the Wisconsin border is somewhat influenced by the Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (Racine Formation) and Devonian carbonate formations that underlie and outcrop near the Lake County–Wisconsin shoreline. The northern Lake Michigan water column at the Waukegan intake zone may reflect slightly higher mineral content from the local carbonate bedrock exposure and shoreline erosion in this part of the lake, particularly during periods of seasonal mixing. The Waukegan water treatment plant also has a different treatment optimisation than Chicago's metropolitan plants.
At 163 mg/L, Waukegan residents face regular hard water challenges. Scale deposits form on faucet aerators, showerheads, shower glass, and tile within weeks — monthly descaling with citric acid solution is standard maintenance. Dishwashers require rinse-aid, and water heaters benefit from annual inspection. City of Waukegan 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 City of Waukegan Water Division — the same Great Lakes supply as Chicago but drawing directly from northern Lake County, Illinois at the Wisconsin border; the Silurian–Devonian dolomite carbonate bedrock of the Lake County shoreline zone; moderately hard supply at 163 mg/L in Lake County at the Wisconsin border.