Kettering Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
9.2 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.9
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
305.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.42
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 Kettering, your appliances are currently losing 21% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Kettering | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.4 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -48% |
| Washing Machine | 7.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -35% |
| Water Heater | 9.3 yrs | 15 yrs | -38% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Kettering compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Kettering, Ohio | 158 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Centerville, Ohio | 164.5 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Dayton, Ohio | 108.5 mg/L | 4.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| West Carrollton City, Ohio | 109.5 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Riverside, Ohio | 256 mg/L | 10.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Kettering compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Kettering | 158 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Kettering's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Kettering, Ohio, in Montgomery County south of Dayton — a major Dayton suburb historically known for the Kettering Medical Center and Kettering University (now in Flint, MI) origin, home of significant Dayton-area manufacturing (Emerson, NCR roots) and a thriving south Dayton suburban community — draws its municipal water supply from the Great Miami River via the Greater Dayton Regional Water District and the City of Kettering Water Division. Water hardness in Kettering measures 158 mg/L — classified as hard.
Kettering's hard supply reflects the Great Miami River Valley's calcareous Ohio geology. The Great Miami River at Dayton–Kettering flows through: the Montgomery County Miami Valley alluvial aquifer (Quaternary glaciofluvial outwash — calcareous Wisconsin Age outwash over the Silurian Lockport Dolomite and Devonian Columbus Limestone subcrop); the Silurian Niagara Group dolomite (calcareous Silurian dolomite of the Cincinnati Arch — major dissolved calcium–magnesium contribution); and the Devonian Columbus Limestone (highly soluble Devonian calcareous limestone). The Great Miami River at Dayton carries moderately hard water from the calcareous dolomite subcrop, producing the hard 158 mg/L in the Kettering distribution zone.
At 158 mg/L, Kettering residents face regular hard water challenges. Scale deposits form on faucet aerators, showerheads, and appliances within weeks — monthly descaling with citric acid solution is standard maintenance. City of Kettering Water Division consistently delivers water meeting all Ohio EPA and federal EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Geology & Source: River supply from the Great Miami River via the Greater Dayton area Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission and the City of Kettering Water Division — the Ohio Miami Valley Great Miami River alluvial aquifer (Silurian–Devonian dolomite and calcareous limestone subcropping) of Montgomery County; moderately hard supply at 158 mg/L in Montgomery County.