South Lyon Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.5 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
151.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.25
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 South Lyon, your appliances are currently losing 13% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In South Lyon | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -24% |
| Washing Machine | 10.1 yrs | 12 yrs | -16% |
| Water Heater | 11.8 yrs | 15 yrs | -21% |
Regional Water Comparison
How South Lyon compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ South Lyon, Michigan | 94.5 mg/L | 5.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Wixom, Michigan | 241 mg/L | 13.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Novi, Michigan | 177.5 mg/L | 10 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Ann Arbor, Michigan | 232 mg/L | 12.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Ypsilanti, Michigan | 93.5 mg/L | 5.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How South Lyon compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ South Lyon | 94.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes South Lyon's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
South Lyon, Michigan, in Oakland County — an Oakland County city adjacent to Lyon Township and Wixom in west Oakland County — receives its water from the City of South Lyon Water Department or a local utility, drawing from the Huron River through the southeast Michigan distribution.
The soft 94.5 mg/L hardness and low TDS of 151.7 mg/L are notably soft for Oakland County — while the Silurian Niagaran Dolomite underlies much of southeast Michigan, South Lyon's Huron River supply draws from a relatively pristine upper watershed section that produces softer water than the Lake Huron regional supply (compare Lyon Township MI: 92/147 in Oakland County comparable; Wixom MI: 97/156 in Oakland County comparable; South Lyon consistent soft from the same Oakland County Huron River Silurian-Devonian dolomitic supply). The Huron River at Oakland County — Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (highly dolomitic — primary hardness contributor), Devonian Detroit River Formation (slightly calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary glacial outwash (calcareous — minor TDS).
At 94.5 mg/L with TDS 152, South Lyon's water is soft — minimal scale buildup. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.8 ppt is moderate — a certified drinking water filter provides added protection — the Oakland County southeast Michigan industrial legacy contributes to South Lyon's elevated PFAS readings. Review the city's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: South Lyon in Oakland County draws from the South Lyon Water on the Huron River (Oakland County, southeast Michigan) — the Huron River at Oakland County drains Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (highly dolomitic) and Devonian Detroit River Formation (slightly calcareous) — Michigan Oakland County Huron River Silurian-Devonian dolomitic supply produces soft water at 94.5 mg/L with TDS 151.7 mg/L.