Troy Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
13.6 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
599.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.62
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 Troy, your appliances are currently losing 31% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Troy | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -78% |
| Washing Machine | 5 yrs | 12 yrs | -58% |
| Water Heater | 6.3 yrs | 15 yrs | -58% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Troy compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Troy, Michigan | 232.5 mg/L | 12.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Rochester Hills, Michigan | 227.5 mg/L | 12.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Rochester, Michigan | 227.5 mg/L | 12.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Birmingham, Michigan | 188.5 mg/L | 10.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Berkley, Michigan | 160.5 mg/L | 9.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Troy compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Troy | 232.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Troy's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Troy, Michigan — one of the largest and most affluent Detroit suburbs in Oakland County — draws its municipal water supply from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) regional system via the City of Troy Water and Sewer Division, receiving Lake Huron water through the GLWA distribution network and the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner infrastructure. Troy is one of the key communities in the Oakland County GLWA distribution zone. Water hardness in Troy measures 232.5 mg/L — classified as very hard, substantially above Wayne County GLWA communities.
Troy's notably higher hardness (232.5 mg/L) compared to Dearborn (134.5 mg/L) and Canton (138.5 mg/L) — both Wayne County GLWA communities on the same Lake Huron source — reflects the Oakland County distribution zone's different characteristics. Troy and the northern Oakland County area overlie the Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (Lockport Dolomite and related formations) and Devonian Detroit River Group carbonate formations at shallower depths than in Wayne County. The Oakland County GLWA distribution network appears to incorporate significant local groundwater blending from Oakland County's calcareous Silurian dolomite aquifer, raising finished hardness substantially above the Lake Huron baseline. This is consistent with the pattern of increasing hardness in Oakland County GLWA communities (Livonia in Wayne County: 239 mg/L with similar apparent groundwater blending).
At 232.5 mg/L, Troy residents face significant hard water challenges. Scale deposits form rapidly on faucet aerators, showerheads, shower glass, and tile — monthly descaling with citric acid solution is essential maintenance. Dishwashers require rinse-aid, and water heaters need annual professional inspection. Troy Water and Sewer Division and GLWA consistently deliver water meeting all Michigan EGLE and EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Geology & Source: Lake supply from Lake Huron via the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) and City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) or direct Oakland County Water distribution — the Silurian–Devonian Michigan Basin dolomite carbonate geology; very hard supply at 232.5 mg/L in Oakland County — harder than Wayne County GLWA–served communities, suggesting additional local carbonate groundwater blending in the Oakland County GLWA distribution zone.