Dayton Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.3 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
169.8 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.29
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 Dayton, your appliances are currently losing 14% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Dayton | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -29% |
| Washing Machine | 9.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -20% |
| Water Heater | 11.3 yrs | 15 yrs | -25% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Dayton compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Dayton, Ohio | 108.5 mg/L | 4.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Riverside, Ohio | 256 mg/L | 10.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Kettering, Ohio | 158 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| West Carrollton City, Ohio | 109.5 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Huber Heights, Ohio | 250 mg/L | 9.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Dayton compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Dayton | 108.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Dayton's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Dayton, Ohio draws its municipal water supply from a combined river–groundwater system operated by the City of Dayton Department of Water, drawing from the Mad River Wellfield — a series of shallow wells tapping the Mad River alluvial aquifer (a highly productive Pleistocene glacial outwash gravel aquifer in Montgomery and Clark Counties) — rather than directly from surface water intakes. The Mad River, a tributary of the Great Miami River, recharges this shallow gravel aquifer, making it essentially a river-influenced groundwater source. The Dayton wellfield system is considered one of the most productive and high-quality municipal wellfields in Ohio. Water hardness measures 108.5 mg/L — classified as moderately hard.
Dayton's moderate hardness reflects the glacial outwash and carbonate geology of the Mad River valley in southwestern Ohio. The Mad River alluvial aquifer is recharged by the Mad River and direct precipitation percolating through Pleistocene glacial outwash gravel — sand and gravel deposited by meltwater rivers from Pleistocene ice sheets. This outwash material is derived from Silurian and Devonian limestone and dolomite bedrock of the Ohio Interior Platform, and the gravels carry significant calcareous cement and carbonate rock fragments that dissolve during groundwater recharge. The moderate hardness reflects the relatively short groundwater residence times in this very productive, high-yield outwash aquifer.
At 108.5 mg/L, Dayton residents encounter moderate scale accumulation over time. Faucet aerators and showerheads develop deposits after several months — monthly cleaning with citric acid solution keeps equipment performing well. Dishwashers produce cleaner glassware with rinse-aid. Water heaters benefit from periodic inspection for scale. City of Dayton Department of Water consistently delivers high-quality water meeting all Ohio EPA and federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements, and the Mad River wellfield system is widely regarded as one of Ohio's best municipal water sources.
Geology & Source: River supply from the Great Miami River via the City of Dayton Department of Water Mad River wellfield — the Mad River drains Silurian and Devonian limestone and dolomite of the Ohio Interior Platform and Pleistocene glacial outwash gravels of the Dayton Valley alluvial aquifer; the dual surface–groundwater system produces moderately hard supply at 108.5 mg/L.