Ferndale Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.1 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
175 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.28
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 Ferndale, your appliances are currently losing 14% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Ferndale | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -27% |
| Washing Machine | 9.7 yrs | 12 yrs | -19% |
| Water Heater | 11.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -24% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Ferndale compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Ferndale, Michigan | 104.5 mg/L | 6.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Hazel Park, Michigan | 134 mg/L | 7.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Royal Oak, Michigan | 84 mg/L | 5.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Madison Heights, Michigan | 112.5 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Oak Park, Michigan | 185.5 mg/L | 10.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Ferndale compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Ferndale | 104.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Ferndale's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Ferndale, Michigan, in Oakland County — an inner-ring Detroit suburb immediately north of Detroit City limits, adjacent to Royal Oak and Hazel Park, one of the most densely populated and walkable Oakland County communities — receives its municipal water from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), which draws from Lake Huron (through the Detroit River intake at the Springwells and Lake Huron intakes), serving Oakland County communities through the Detroit regional water distribution system.
The moderately soft 104.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 175 mg/L reflect Detroit's Lake Huron supply character — softer than Lake Erie (147-165 mg/L in Cleveland communities) due to Lake Huron's much greater depth and volume providing greater dilution of carbonate inputs. Lake Huron is the second largest Great Lake by surface area and significantly deeper than Erie, receiving crystalline Canadian Shield drainage from the north (Ontario shield — very soft) that dilutes the carbonate inputs from the Michigan Basin carbonate shoreline. The Detroit GLWA treatment process also influences finished water hardness.
At 104.5 mg/L, Ferndale's water is moderately soft — comfortable for household use. Scale forms slowly over months, soap lathers well, and appliances operate efficiently. Semi-annual descaling is adequate. The PFAS level of 6.3 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Detroit-Warren defense and automotive manufacturing corridor, the Selfridge Air National Guard Base (Macomb County — a major AFFF user on Lake St. Clair), and the Oakland County industrial legacy contribute to the GLWA supply's PFAS readings.
Geology & Source: Ferndale in Oakland County draws from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) treating Lake Huron (Detroit water system) — Lake Huron drains the eastern Great Lakes basin with the Michigan Basin Silurian-Devonian carbonate platform contributing dissolved carbonate — Great Lakes carbonate drainage produces moderately soft water at 104.5 mg/L with TDS 175 mg/L in this Oakland County Michigan suburb.