Dover Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.8 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
150.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.27
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 Dover, your appliances are currently losing 13% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Dover | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -26% |
| Washing Machine | 9.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -17% |
| Water Heater | 11.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -23% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Dover compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Dover, Ohio | 100 mg/L | 3.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| New Philadelphia, Ohio | 213.5 mg/L | 8.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Massillon, Ohio | 231 mg/L | 9.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Canton, Ohio | 233 mg/L | 9.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| North Canton, Ohio | 233 mg/L | 9.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Dover compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Dover | 100 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Dover's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Dover, Ohio, in Tuscarawas County — a Tuscarawas County city adjacent to New Philadelphia and Dennison on the Tuscarawas River in east-central Ohio — receives its water from the City of Dover Water, drawing from the Tuscarawas River (Tuscarawas County) through the east-central Ohio distribution.
The moderately hard 100 mg/L hardness and TDS of 150.2 mg/L reflect the east-central Ohio Tuscarawas County Allegheny Plateau supply's moderate calcareous character — the Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation's slightly calcareous sandstones and Mississippian formations contribute moderate hardness, softer than the west-central Ohio Till Plains communities on direct calcareous bedrock (compare Clayton OH: 206.5 mg/L; Dover softer from the Plateau insoluble sandstone dilution). The Tuscarawas River at Tuscarawas County — Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Mississippian Logan Formation (insoluble — dilutant), and Quaternary Tuscarawas River alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 100 mg/L, Dover'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 Tuscarawas County east-central Ohio industrial corridor contribute to Dover's readings.
Geology & Source: Dover in Tuscarawas County draws from the City of Dover Water on the Tuscarawas River (Tuscarawas County, east-central Ohio) — the Tuscarawas River at Tuscarawas County drains the Allegheny Plateau (Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation — slightly calcareous) and Mississippian Logan Formation (insoluble) — Ohio Tuscarawas County Tuscarawas River Pennsylvanian-Mississippian Plateau supply produces moderately hard water at 100 mg/L with TDS 150.2 mg/L.