Big Lake 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
149.9 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 Big Lake, your appliances are currently losing 12% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Big Lake | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -24% |
| Washing Machine | 10.1 yrs | 12 yrs | -16% |
| Water Heater | 11.9 yrs | 15 yrs | -21% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Big Lake compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Big Lake, Minnesota | 93.5 mg/L | 3.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Monticello, Minnesota | 234.5 mg/L | 6.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Saint Michael, Minnesota | 191 mg/L | 5.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Otsego, Minnesota | 222.5 mg/L | 6.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Elk River, Minnesota | 262 mg/L | 7.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Big Lake compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Big Lake | 93.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Big Lake's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Big Lake, Minnesota, in Sherburne County — a Sherburne County city adjacent to Elk River and St. Cloud on the Mississippi River in central Minnesota — receives its water from the City of Big Lake Water Department, drawing from the Mississippi River through the central Minnesota distribution.
The moderately hard 93.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 149.9 mg/L reflect the Sherburne County supply's moderate upper Mississippi character — the Ordovician St. Peter Sandstone and Cambrian Jordan Sandstone are insoluble-slightly calcareous formations in the upper Minnesota geological corridor; the Mississippi River at Sherburne County acquires moderate dissolved mineral content from its north-central Minnesota glacial drainage (compare Elk River MN: 90/142 in Sherburne County comparable; St. Cloud MN: 96/157 in Stearns County comparable; Big Lake consistent moderate from the same Sherburne County Mississippi River Ordovician supply). The Upper Mississippi at Sherburne County — Ordovician St. Peter Sandstone (insoluble — primary dilutant), Cambrian Jordan Sandstone (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Quaternary Minnesota glacial outwash (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 93.5 mg/L with TDS 150, Big Lake's water is moderately hard — mild scale buildup. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 3.3 ppt is moderate — a certified drinking water filter provides added protection. Review the City of Big Lake's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Big Lake in Sherburne County draws from the Big Lake Water on the Mississippi River supply (Sherburne County, central Minnesota) — the upper Mississippi at Sherburne County draws from Ordovician St. Peter Sandstone (insoluble) and Cambrian Jordan Sandstone (slightly calcareous) — Minnesota Sherburne County Mississippi River Ordovician supply produces moderately hard water at 93.5 mg/L with TDS 149.9 mg/L.