Dearborn Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
7.9 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
253.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.36
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 Dearborn, your appliances are currently losing 18% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Dearborn | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -39% |
| Washing Machine | 8.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -28% |
| Water Heater | 10.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -32% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Dearborn compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Dearborn, Michigan | 134.5 mg/L | 7.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Lincoln Park, Michigan | 204.5 mg/L | 11.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Allen Park, Michigan | 216.5 mg/L | 12 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Dearborn Heights, Michigan | 134.5 mg/L | 7.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Southgate, Michigan | 101 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Dearborn compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Dearborn | 134.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
Bring Badger-quality water to your Dearborn home
Shop water softeners on Amazon.com →
What Makes Dearborn's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Dearborn, Michigan, the Ford Motor Company hometown in Wayne County, draws its municipal water supply from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) regional system via the City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) distribution network, sourcing from Lake Huron at the GLWA Lake Huron Water Treatment Plant at Port Huron in St. Clair County. DWSD treats and delivers Lake Huron water throughout the Detroit metro area, including Dearborn in Wayne County. Water hardness measures 134.5 mg/L — classified as moderately hard.
Dearborn's moderately hard supply reflects Lake Huron's water chemistry as delivered through the DWSD–GLWA system to Wayne County. Lake Huron draws mineral content from the Michigan Basin carbonate platform (Silurian Lockport Dolomite, Devonian Detroit River Group, Devonian Dundee Limestone) surrounding the lake. Dearborn's 134.5 mg/L reading is somewhat lower than Clinton Township (214 mg/L) on the same GLWA source, suggesting the DWSD treatment process and distribution system within the older Wayne County cast-iron infrastructure may moderate the mineral content differently than the newer Macomb County mains. DWSD operates one of the largest water treatment and distribution systems in North America.
With hardness at 134.5 mg/L, Dearborn residents encounter moderate scale accumulation. Faucet aerators and showerheads develop deposits after several months — monthly cleaning with citric acid solution is practical maintenance. Dishwashers produce cleaner glassware with rinse-aid. GLWA and DWSD consistently deliver water meeting all Michigan EGLE and EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Geology & Source: Lake supply from Lake Huron via the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) and City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) distribution — the same Lake Huron–Michigan Basin carbonate watershed supply serving the Detroit metro area; the Silurian–Devonian Michigan Basin dolomite mineral content produces moderately hard supply at 134.5 mg/L in Wayne County.