Alpena Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
12.9 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
549.8 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 Alpena, your appliances are currently losing 29% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Alpena | 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 Alpena compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Alpena, Michigan | 220.5 mg/L | 12.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Bay City, Michigan | 123.5 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Midland, Michigan | 207 mg/L | 11.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan | 163 mg/L | 9.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Saginaw Township North, Michigan | 193 mg/L | 10.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Alpena compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Alpena | 220.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Alpena's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Alpena, Michigan, in Alpena County — the Alpena County seat on Thunder Bay on Lake Huron in northeast Michigan — receives its water from the City of Alpena Water Department, drawing from the Thunder Bay River through the northeast Michigan distribution.
The very hard 220.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 549.8 mg/L reflect the Alpena County supply's very hard northeast Michigan limestone character — the Devonian Alpena Limestone and Silurian Niagaran Dolomite are highly calcareous-dolomitic formations in the northeast Michigan limestone plain; the Thunder Bay River at Alpena flows through one of the most limestone-rich regions of Michigan, producing very hard water throughout the Alpena area (compare Rogers City MI: 226/564 in Presque Isle County comparable; Cheboygan MI: 215/536 in Cheboygan County comparable; Alpena consistent very hard from the same Alpena County Thunder Bay River Devonian calcareous supply). The Thunder Bay River — Devonian Alpena Limestone (highly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (highly dolomitic — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Thunder Bay River alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 220.5 mg/L with TDS 550, Alpena's water is very hard — a water softener is strongly recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. The PFAS level of 12.2 ppt is very high — a certified filter with PFAS removal is strongly recommended. Review the City of Alpena's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Alpena in Alpena County draws from the Alpena Water on the Thunder Bay River supply (Alpena County, northeast Michigan) — the northeast Michigan limestone plain at Alpena County draws from Devonian Alpena Limestone (highly calcareous) and Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (highly dolomitic) — Michigan Alpena County Thunder Bay River Devonian calcareous supply produces very hard water at 220.5 mg/L with TDS 549.8 mg/L.