Cadillac Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.7 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
198.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.30
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 Cadillac, your appliances are currently losing 15% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Cadillac | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -32% |
| Washing Machine | 9.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -22% |
| Water Heater | 11 yrs | 15 yrs | -27% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Cadillac compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Cadillac, Michigan | 114 mg/L | 6.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Traverse City, Michigan | 223 mg/L | 12.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Big Rapids, Michigan | 178.5 mg/L | 10.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Mount Pleasant, Michigan | 88.5 mg/L | 5.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Northview, Michigan | 170 mg/L | 9.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Cadillac compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Cadillac | 114 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Cadillac's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Cadillac, Michigan, in Wexford County — the Wexford County seat adjacent to Mesick and Marion on the Clam River in northwest Michigan — receives its water from the City of Cadillac Water Department, drawing from the Clam River watershed through the northwest Michigan distribution.
The moderately hard 114 mg/L hardness and TDS of 198.5 mg/L reflect the Wexford County supply's moderate calcareous character — the Devonian Traverse Limestone and Silurian Niagaran Dolomite are calcareous-dolomitic formations in the Michigan Dolomite Plain; the Clam River at Wexford County acquires moderate dissolved mineral content from its northwest Michigan limestone drainage (compare Mesick MI: 111/191 in Wexford County comparable; Marion MI: 117/206 in Osceola County comparable; Cadillac consistent moderate from the same Wexford County Clam River Devonian calcareous supply). The Clam River watershed — Devonian Traverse Limestone (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (dolomitic — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Michigan glacial outwash (calcareous — minor TDS).
At 114 mg/L with TDS 199, Cadillac's water is moderately hard — mild scale buildup. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 6.8 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter. Review the City of Cadillac's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Cadillac in Wexford County draws from the Cadillac Water on the Clam River supply (Wexford County, northwest Michigan) — the Manistee watershed at Wexford County draws from Devonian Traverse Limestone (calcareous) and Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (dolomitic) — Michigan Wexford County Clam River Devonian calcareous supply produces moderately hard water at 114 mg/L with TDS 198.5 mg/L.