Fergus Falls Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
7.4 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
224.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.34
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 Fergus Falls, your appliances are currently losing 17% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Fergus Falls | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.4 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -36% |
| Washing Machine | 8.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -26% |
| Water Heater | 10.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -29% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Fergus Falls compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Fergus Falls, Minnesota | 126 mg/L | 4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Moorhead, Minnesota | 240 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Fargo, North Dakota | 407 mg/L | 3.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| West Fargo, North Dakota | 175.5 mg/L | 1.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Willmar, Minnesota | 184 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Fergus Falls compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Fergus Falls | 126 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Fergus Falls's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Fergus Falls, Minnesota, in Otter Tail County — the Otter Tail County seat adjacent to Wadena and Alexandria on the Otter Tail River in west-central Minnesota — receives its water from the Fergus Falls Water system, drawing from the Otter Tail River (Otter Tail County) through the west-central Minnesota distribution.
The moderately hard 126 mg/L hardness and TDS of 224.9 mg/L reflect the west-central Minnesota Otter Tail County Otter Tail River supply's moderate dolomitic character — somewhat softer than the main Mississippi River corridor communities (compare Brainerd MN: 162.5 mg/L; Monticello MN: 234.5 mg/L) as the Otter Tail watershed drains the shallower Ordovician dolomite platform through thicker Pleistocene glacial outwash. The Otter Tail River at Otter Tail County — Ordovician Prairie du Chien Dolomite (dolomitic — primary hardness contributor), Cambrian Jordan Sandstone (insoluble — dilutant), and Pleistocene calcareous glacial outwash (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 126 mg/L, Fergus Falls' 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 4.0 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Otter Tail County west-central Minnesota agricultural-industrial corridor contribute to Fergus Falls' readings.
Geology & Source: Fergus Falls in Otter Tail County draws from the Fergus Falls Water on the Otter Tail River (Otter Tail County, west-central Minnesota) — the Otter Tail River at Otter Tail County drains the Prairie Coteau (Ordovician Prairie du Chien Dolomite — dolomitic) through calcareous Pleistocene glacial outwash — Minnesota Otter Tail County Otter Tail River Ordovician dolomitic calcareous supply produces moderately hard water at 126 mg/L with TDS 224.9 mg/L.