Fostoria Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.1 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
161.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.28
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 Fostoria, your appliances are currently losing 14% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Fostoria | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.1 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -28% |
| Washing Machine | 9.7 yrs | 12 yrs | -19% |
| Water Heater | 11.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -24% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Fostoria compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Fostoria, Ohio | 105 mg/L | 4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Tiffin, Ohio | 165 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Findlay, Ohio | 204.5 mg/L | 8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Bowling Green, Ohio | 155 mg/L | 6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Fremont, Ohio | 124 mg/L | 4.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Fostoria compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Fostoria | 105 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Fostoria's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Fostoria, Ohio, in Seneca County — a Seneca County city adjacent to Findlay and Tiffin on the Sandusky River in north-central Ohio — receives its water from the City of Fostoria Water, drawing from the Sandusky River (Seneca County) through the north-central Ohio distribution.
The moderately hard 105 mg/L hardness and TDS of 161.7 mg/L reflect the north-central Ohio Seneca County Sandusky River supply's moderate dolomitic character — the Silurian Lockport Dolomite and Devonian Columbus Limestone contribute moderate calcareous hardness consistent with the Ohio Till Plains river communities; somewhat softer than the Lake Erie supply communities (University Heights: 220.5 mg/L) due to the Sandusky River's somewhat diluted calcareous input. The Sandusky River at Seneca County — Silurian Lockport Dolomite (dolomitic — primary hardness contributor), Devonian Columbus Limestone (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Ohio glacial till (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 105 mg/L, Fostoria'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 4.0 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Seneca County north-central Ohio industrial corridor contribute to Fostoria's readings.
Geology & Source: Fostoria in Seneca County draws from the City of Fostoria Water on the Sandusky River (Seneca County, north-central Ohio) — the Sandusky River at Seneca County drains the Till Plains through Silurian Lockport Dolomite (dolomitic) and Devonian Columbus Limestone (calcareous) — Ohio Seneca County Sandusky River Silurian-Devonian dolomitic calcareous supply produces moderately hard water at 105 mg/L with TDS 161.7 mg/L.