Sault Ste. Marie Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
9.5 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
340.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.43
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 Sault Ste. Marie, your appliances are currently losing 22% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Sault Ste. Marie | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -51% |
| Washing Machine | 7.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -37% |
| Water Heater | 9.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -39% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Sault Ste. Marie compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan | 163 mg/L | 9.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Traverse City, Michigan | 223 mg/L | 12.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Escanaba, Michigan | 248 mg/L | 13.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Midland, Michigan | 207 mg/L | 11.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Mount Pleasant, Michigan | 88.5 mg/L | 5.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Sault Ste. Marie compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Sault Ste. Marie | 163 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Sault Ste. Marie's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in Chippewa County — the Chippewa County seat at the Soo Locks on the St. Marys River adjacent to Sault Ste. Marie Ontario in the north Michigan Upper Peninsula — receives its water from the Sault Ste. Marie Water Division, drawing from the St. Marys River or Lake Superior (Chippewa County) through the north Michigan distribution.
The moderately hard 163 mg/L hardness and TDS of 340.2 mg/L are harder than expected from a Lake Superior supply — reflecting the Sault Ste. Marie Water Division's local treatment blend that includes some St. Marys River flow and the Upper Peninsula Cambrian calcareous formations contributing more mineral input than the deep insoluble Precambrian shield Lake Superior draw alone. The St. Marys River-Lake Superior at Chippewa County — Precambrian Laurentian Shield (insoluble — primary Lake Superior dilutant), Cambrian Munising Formation (slightly calcareous — minor contributor), and Ordovician calcareous formations (calcareous — primary hardness contributor in the St. Marys River corridor).
At 163 mg/L, Sault Ste. Marie's 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 9.3 ppt warrants a certified reverse osmosis drinking water filter — Kincheloe Air Force Base (Chippewa County — former AFFF) and the north Michigan Upper Peninsula industrial corridor contribute to Sault Ste. Marie's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Sault Ste. Marie in Chippewa County draws from the Sault Ste. Marie Water Division on the St. Marys River or Lake Superior (Chippewa County, north Michigan Upper Peninsula) — Lake Superior at Chippewa County draws from Precambrian Laurentian Shield (insoluble) and Cambrian Munising Formation (slightly calcareous) — Michigan Chippewa County St. Marys-Lake Superior Precambrian crystalline watershed produces moderately hard water at 163 mg/L with TDS 340.2 mg/L.