Harper Woods 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
199.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.31
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 Harper Woods, your appliances are currently losing 15% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Harper Woods | 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 Harper Woods compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Harper Woods, Michigan | 114.5 mg/L | 6.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan | 82 mg/L | 5.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Eastpointe, Michigan | 215 mg/L | 11.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Roseville, Michigan | 244 mg/L | 13.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Saint Clair Shores, Michigan | 123 mg/L | 7.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Harper Woods compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Harper Woods | 114.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Harper Woods's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Harper Woods, Michigan, in Wayne County — a Wayne County city adjacent to Grosse Pointe and Detroit in the east Detroit metro — receives its water from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), drawing from Lake Huron (Wayne County) through the east Detroit metro distribution.
The moderately hard 114.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 199.9 mg/L reflect the southeast Michigan Wayne County Lake Huron supply's moderate dolomitic character — consistent with other Wayne County east Detroit communities (Grosse Pointe: ~113 mg/L; Detroit: ~115 mg/L). The Lake Huron at Wayne County draws from — Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (dolomitic — primary hardness contributor from the Great Lakes carbonate platform), Precambrian Canadian Shield (insoluble — dilutant), and Ordovician calcareous formations (calcareous — secondary contributor).
At 114.5 mg/L, Harper Woods' water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need periodic cleaning. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 6.8 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Wayne County southeast Michigan Detroit metro industrial corridor and Selfridge Air National Guard Base (Macomb County — AFFF) contribute to Harper Woods' elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Harper Woods in Wayne County draws from the Great Lakes Water Authority on Lake Huron (Wayne County, southeast Michigan) — Lake Huron at Wayne County draws from Silurian Niagaran Dolomite dissolution (dolomitic) blended with Precambrian Laurentian Shield — Michigan Wayne County Lake Huron Silurian dolomitic Great Lakes supply produces moderately hard water at 114.5 mg/L with TDS 199.9 mg/L.