Grimes Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
14.3 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
510.4 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.65
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 Grimes, your appliances are currently losing 33% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Grimes | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -82% |
| Washing Machine | 4.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -63% |
| Water Heater | 5.8 yrs | 15 yrs | -61% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Grimes compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Grimes, Iowa | 245.5 mg/L | 5.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Johnston, Iowa | 324.5 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Urbandale, Iowa | 238 mg/L | 5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Clive, Iowa | 290 mg/L | 6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Waukee, Iowa | 339.5 mg/L | 7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Grimes compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Grimes | 245.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Grimes's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Grimes, Iowa, in Polk County — a Polk County city adjacent to Johnston and Des Moines in the northwest Des Moines suburbs — receives its water from the Des Moines Water Works, drawing from the Raccoon River through the central Iowa distribution.
The very hard 245.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 510.4 mg/L reflect the Polk County supply's very hard Devonian character — the Devonian Cedar Valley Limestone and Mississippian Burlington Formation are highly calcareous formations in the Iowa Limestone Plateau, and the Raccoon River acquires substantial dissolved mineral content from its extensive limestone drainage across the central Iowa plains (compare Johnston IA: 241/499 in Polk County comparable; Des Moines IA: 249/522 in Polk County comparable; Grimes consistent very hard from the same Polk County Raccoon River Devonian calcareous supply). The Raccoon River — Devonian Cedar Valley Limestone (highly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Mississippian Burlington Formation (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Raccoon River alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 245.5 mg/L with TDS 510, Grimes' water is very hard — a water softener is strongly recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. The PFAS level of 5.1 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter. Review Des Moines Water Works' annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Grimes in Polk County draws from the Des Moines Water Works on the Raccoon River (Polk County, central Iowa) — the Raccoon River draws from Devonian Cedar Valley Limestone (highly calcareous) and Mississippian Burlington Formation (calcareous) — Iowa Polk County Raccoon River Devonian calcareous supply produces very hard water at 245.5 mg/L with TDS 510.4 mg/L.