New Ulm Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.6 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
194.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.30
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 New Ulm, your appliances are currently losing 15% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In New Ulm | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -31% |
| Washing Machine | 9.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -22% |
| Water Heater | 11.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -26% |
Regional Water Comparison
How New Ulm compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ New Ulm, Minnesota | 113.5 mg/L | 3.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| North Mankato, Minnesota | 144 mg/L | 4.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Mankato, Minnesota | 99.5 mg/L | 3.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Hutchinson, Minnesota | 76 mg/L | 2.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Chaska, Minnesota | 99.5 mg/L | 3.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How New Ulm compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ New Ulm | 113.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes New Ulm's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
New Ulm, Minnesota, in Brown County — the Brown County seat adjacent to Sleepy Eye and Hanska on the Minnesota River in south-central Minnesota — receives its water from the New Ulm Water System, drawing from the Minnesota River (Brown County) through the south-central Minnesota distribution.
The moderately hard 113.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 194.9 mg/L reflect the south-central Minnesota Brown County Minnesota River supply's moderate calcareous character — consistent with the Minnesota River corridor communities (North Mankato MN: 144 mg/L; Marshall MN: 125 mg/L on the Redwood tributary) reflecting the Ordovician Prairie du Chien Dolomite and Cretaceous Niobrara Chalk calcareous drainage across the south Minnesota plateau. The Minnesota River at Brown County — Ordovician Prairie du Chien Dolomite (dolomitic — primary hardness contributor), Cretaceous Niobrara Chalk (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Pleistocene calcareous glacial outwash (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 113.5 mg/L, New Ulm's 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 3.8 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Brown County south-central Minnesota industrial corridor contribute to New Ulm's readings.
Geology & Source: New Ulm in Brown County draws from the New Ulm Water System on the Minnesota River (Brown County, south-central Minnesota) — the Minnesota River at Brown County drains the Prairie Coteau (Cretaceous Niobrara Chalk — calcareous) and Ordovician Prairie du Chien Dolomite through calcareous glacial outwash — Minnesota Brown County Minnesota River Cretaceous-Ordovician calcareous supply produces moderately hard water at 113.5 mg/L with TDS 194.9 mg/L.