Hough Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.3 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
256.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.38
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 Hough, your appliances are currently losing 19% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Hough | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -42% |
| Washing Machine | 8.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -30% |
| Water Heater | 9.9 yrs | 15 yrs | -34% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Hough compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Hough, Ohio | 141.5 mg/L | 5.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Glenville, Ohio | 164.5 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Cleveland, Ohio | 154 mg/L | 6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| East Cleveland, Ohio | 122 mg/L | 4.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Cleveland Heights, Ohio | 164 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Hough compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Hough | 141.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Hough's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Hough, Ohio, in Cuyahoga County — a Cuyahoga County neighborhood adjacent to Glenville and Fairfax in the east Cleveland inner city — receives its municipal water from the Cleveland Water Alliance, drawing from Lake Erie through the Cleveland Water treatment plants (Cuyahoga County).
The moderately hard 141.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 256.2 mg/L are somewhat softer than the western Cleveland Lake Erie readings (Fairview Park: 189 mg/L), reflecting the inner Cleveland east-side distribution zone's treatment plant differences. The Lake Erie basin drains the Ohio-Indiana Till Plain — Silurian Lockport Dolomite (very high purity dolomite), Devonian Columbus Limestone (calcareous), and calcareous Pleistocene Erie Lobe till. The east Cleveland distribution zone produces a moderately hard reading from the same Cleveland Water system.
At 141.5 mg/L, Hough'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 5.5 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Cuyahoga County east Cleveland industrial corridor and the Lake Erie multi-state PFAS drainage contribute to Hough's readings.
Geology & Source: Hough in Cuyahoga County draws from the Cleveland Water Alliance on Lake Erie (Cuyahoga County, central Cleveland) — Lake Erie drains the Ohio-Indiana Till Plain (Silurian Lockport Dolomite, Devonian Columbus Limestone, calcareous Pleistocene Erie Lobe till) — Ohio Cuyahoga County Lake Erie Great Lakes carbonate basin produces moderately hard water at 141.5 mg/L with TDS 256.2 mg/L in this Cuyahoga County Ohio neighborhood.