Dearborn Heights Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The Dearborn Heights Water Department, part of the City of Dearborn Heights Department of Public Services at 24600 Van Born Road, serves approximately 59,000 residents, 21,100 homes, and over 1,200 businesses in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, primarily in Wayne County. The utility purchases treated water from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), which draws raw water from the Detroit River intakes and processes it at the GLWA Southwest Water Treatment Plant, ensuring a reliable surface water supply for the metro Detroit suburban area.

The Detroit River watershed, shared with neighboring utilities including Detroit and Dearborn, drains into Lake Erie and is underlain by the Paleozoic geology of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Bedrock consists of Devonian-age limestone and dolomite formations, including the Detroit River Group, prevalent across southeastern Michigan. These carbonate rocks contribute dissolved calcium and magnesium to the supply, and the Detroit River intakes are rated highly susceptible to water chemistry influences from local rock formations, explaining the moderately hard character of the water.

At moderately hard levels, scale buildup in pipes and appliances reduces efficiency over time, with water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and faucets most affected by mineral deposits that increase energy use and shorten lifespan. Regular maintenance including vinegar descaling, installing drain screens, and flushing water heaters every six months helps mitigate these effects. A water softener is recommended for households noticing soap scum, dry skin, or spotting on dishes. The 2024 Water Quality Report confirms EPA compliance; GLWA's multi-barrier treatment includes coagulation, filtration, disinfection, and corrosion control, with an overall quality rating of 80/100.