Norwalk Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
12.9 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
432.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.59
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 Norwalk, your appliances are currently losing 29% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Norwalk | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 2.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -73% |
| Washing Machine | 5.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -55% |
| Water Heater | 6.8 yrs | 15 yrs | -55% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Norwalk compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Norwalk, Iowa | 221 mg/L | 4.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| West Des Moines, Iowa | 133.5 mg/L | 2.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Clive, Iowa | 290 mg/L | 6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Des Moines, Iowa | 214 mg/L | 4.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Urbandale, Iowa | 238 mg/L | 5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Norwalk compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Norwalk | 221 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Norwalk's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Norwalk, Iowa, in Warren County — a Warren County city adjacent to Des Moines and Indianola in the south-central Iowa suburbs — receives its water from the Des Moines Water Works, drawing from the Raccoon River through the south-central Iowa distribution.
The very hard 221 mg/L hardness and TDS of 432.3 mg/L reflect the Warren County supply's very hard Iowa Glacier-derived character — the Pennsylvanian Cherokee Formation and Quaternary Des Moines Lobe glacial till are calcareous formations in south-central Iowa; the Raccoon River acquires very hard dissolved mineral content from its south-central Iowa calcareous till and coal basin drainage (compare Des Moines IA: 217/422 in Polk County comparable; Indianola IA: 224/442 in Warren County comparable; Norwalk consistent very hard from the same Warren County Raccoon River Pennsylvanian calcareous supply). The Raccoon River/Des Moines supply — Pennsylvanian Cherokee Formation (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Quaternary Des Moines Lobe glacial till (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Iowa River alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 221 mg/L with TDS 432, Norwalk's water is very hard — a water softener is strongly recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. The PFAS level of 4.6 ppt is moderate — a certified drinking water filter provides added protection. Review Des Moines Water Works' annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Norwalk in Warren County draws from the Des Moines Water Works on the Raccoon River supply (Warren County, south-central Iowa) — the south-central Iowa Des Moines Lobe at Warren County draws from Pennsylvanian Cherokee Formation (calcareous) and Quaternary Des Moines Lobe glacial till (calcareous) — Iowa Warren County Raccoon River Pennsylvanian calcareous supply produces very hard water at 221 mg/L with TDS 432.3 mg/L.