Hutchinson Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.4 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
114.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.20
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 Hutchinson, your appliances are currently losing 10% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Hutchinson | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.1 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -16% |
| Washing Machine | 10.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -10% |
| Water Heater | 12.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -16% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Hutchinson compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Hutchinson, Minnesota | 76 mg/L | 2.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Buffalo, Minnesota | 202 mg/L | 5.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| New Ulm, Minnesota | 113.5 mg/L | 3.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Saint Cloud, Minnesota | 120 mg/L | 3.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Monticello, Minnesota | 234.5 mg/L | 6.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Hutchinson compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Hutchinson | 76 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Hutchinson's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Hutchinson, Minnesota, in McLeod County — the McLeod County seat adjacent to Glencoe and Litchfield on the Crow River in south-central Minnesota — receives its water from Hutchinson Utilities, drawing from the Crow River (McLeod County) through the south-central Minnesota water treatment system.
The moderately soft 76 mg/L hardness and TDS of 114.5 mg/L are softer than many south Minnesota communities (Hugo MN: ~158 mg/L) — reflecting the McLeod County Crow River watershed's mixed glacial drift character that provides moderate mineral dissolution but is diluted by the Crow River's relatively large catchment area. The Crow River at McLeod County drains the Minnesota Drift Plain — Quaternary calcareous glacial till (calcareous — primary hardness contributor from Cretaceous limestone-bearing drift), Cretaceous marine shale (slightly calcareous), and Precambrian Minnesota River Valley granite (insoluble — dilutant).
At 76 mg/L, Hutchinson's water is moderately soft — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and bathroom fixtures need occasional cleaning. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 2.9 ppt is low — the McLeod County south-central Minnesota rural corridor has minimal adjacent AFFF military PFAS sources.
Geology & Source: Hutchinson in McLeod County draws from the Hutchinson Utilities on the Crow River (McLeod County, south-central Minnesota) — the Crow River at McLeod County drains the Minnesota Drift Plain (Cretaceous Cretaceous shale — slightly calcareous) through calcareous glacial drift — Minnesota McLeod County Crow River calcareous glacial drift watershed produces moderately soft water at 76 mg/L with TDS 114.5 mg/L.