Kent Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The City of Kent Public Water Utility supplies drinking water to approximately 30,000 residents in Kent, Ohio, and surrounding Portage County communities. Water is sourced exclusively from groundwater via the Breakneck Creek Wellfield near the city's Water Plant. Multiple wells pump from the Buried Valley Aquifer, while at least one well — Well No. 13 — penetrates deeper bedrock formations. Treatment occurs at the city's Water Plant, ensuring full compliance with all EPA standards as documented in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. No surface water sources are used in this supply system.

The supply originates within the Cuyahoga River watershed, where the Buried Valley Aquifer — a Quaternary glacial-fluvial deposit of sand and gravel — overlies Pennsylvanian-age shale, sandstone, and coal measures of the Cuyahoga and Pottsville Groups. Well No. 13 penetrates a water-bearing sandstone likely belonging to the Pottsville Group. Prolonged groundwater contact with carbonate-influenced sediments and limestone-rich glacial material elevates dissolved calcium and magnesium, imparting a very hard character at 311 mg/L without the moderating effect of surface runoff dilution.

Very hard water at 311 mg/L promotes significant scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, substantially reducing efficiency and lifespan. Fixtures show white deposits, and poor soap lathering leaves residue on dishes and contributes to skin dryness. Regular vinegar descaling is essential, and a water softener is strongly recommended for whole-house treatment to mitigate these effects. Kent's 2024 bacteriological testing showed zero positives from 360 samples; all detected substances remain below MCLs with no PFAS, lead, or copper exceedances noted; treatment includes disinfection and corrosion control.