Saint Clair Shores Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
7.2 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
222 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.33
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 Saint Clair Shores, your appliances are currently losing 16% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Saint Clair Shores | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -35% |
| Washing Machine | 9 yrs | 12 yrs | -25% |
| Water Heater | 10.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -29% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Saint Clair Shores compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Saint Clair Shores, Michigan | 123 mg/L | 7.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Roseville, Michigan | 244 mg/L | 13.4 ppt | 🔴 Very 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 |
| Harper Woods, Michigan | 114.5 mg/L | 6.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Saint Clair Shores compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Saint Clair Shores | 123 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Saint Clair Shores's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
St. Clair Shores, Michigan, in south Macomb County on Lake St. Clair's western shoreline — a major Metro Detroit lakefront community known for its waterfront marinas, boat clubs, and 'Nautical Mile' restaurant row — draws its municipal water supply from Lake Huron (Lake St. Clair) via the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) and Macomb County water system, delivering Lake Huron water treated at GLWA facilities through the Lake St. Clair suburban distribution. Water hardness in St. Clair Shores measures 123 mg/L — classified as moderately hard.
St. Clair Shores' moderate hardness reflects the south Macomb County Lake Huron distribution. Lake Huron water carries moderate calcareous content from the Silurian Michigan Basin carbonate formations and the Precambrian Canadian Shield granitic drainage. The St. Clair Shores distribution infrastructure — built during the post-WWII lakefront suburban boom when St. Clair Shores grew rapidly as a prime Detroit lakefront suburb — includes mid-20th century cast-iron and ductile-iron distribution mains of moderate vintage. The GLWA Lake Huron supply at the moderate 123 mg/L in St. Clair Shores reflects the Macomb County south shore distribution characteristics.
At 123 mg/L, St. Clair Shores residents encounter moderate scale accumulation. Faucet aerators and showerheads develop deposits after several months — monthly cleaning with citric acid solution is practical maintenance. GLWA and Macomb County consistently deliver water meeting all Michigan EGLE and EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Geology & Source: Lake supply from Lake Huron (Lake St. Clair) via the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) and Macomb County Department of Roads and Public Works — the Macomb County south Lake St. Clair shoreline distribution; moderately hard supply at 123 mg/L in Macomb County.