West Town Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
11.1 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.2
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
398 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.51
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 West Town, your appliances are currently losing 25% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In West Town | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -61% |
| Washing Machine | 6.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -45% |
| Water Heater | 8 yrs | 15 yrs | -47% |
Regional Water Comparison
How West Town compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ West Town, Illinois | 190.5 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Ukrainian Village, Illinois | 123.5 mg/L | 4.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| East Garfield Park, Illinois | 204.5 mg/L | 7.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Logan Square, Illinois | 170.5 mg/L | 6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Lincoln Park, Illinois | 138.5 mg/L | 5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How West Town compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ West Town | 190.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes West Town's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
West Town, a neighborhood in northwest Chicago (incorporating Wicker Park and Ukrainian Village), Illinois, receives its municipal water supply from the City of Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM), drawing from Lake Michigan — all Chicago neighborhoods receive the same Lake Michigan treatment plant output. West Town is served through the Chicago northwest distribution zone. Water hardness in West Town measures 190.5 mg/L — classified as hard, one of the higher Chicago neighborhood readings.
West Town's notably high hardness (190.5 mg/L) compared to other Chicago neighborhoods on the same Lake Michigan source reflects the northwest Chicago distribution infrastructure characteristics. Chicago's water distribution system covers a vast network of aging cast-iron and ductile iron mains, and certain distribution zones accumulate significantly more mineral content than others based on pipe age, pressure zone, and distance from treatment plants. West Town's northwest Chicago location — in an area with older 19th and early 20th century distribution mains — shows higher mineral acquisition through the infrastructure. Chicago distribution system hardness varies substantially by zone, with some northwest and west side zones showing the highest readings within the city.
At 190.5 mg/L, West Town residents face regular hard water challenges. Scale deposits form on faucet aerators, showerheads, and appliances within weeks — monthly descaling with citric acid solution is standard maintenance. Dishwashers require rinse-aid, and water heaters benefit from annual inspection. City of Chicago DWM consistently delivers water meeting all Illinois EPA and federal EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Geology & Source: Lake supply from Lake Michigan via the Chicago MWRD Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and City of Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) distribution — the same Lake Michigan supply as all Chicago neighborhoods; the West Town distribution zone in northwest Chicago near the Humboldt Park area shows very hard conditions at 190.5 mg/L — among the hardest Chicago readings.