New Franklin Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
12 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.006 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
473.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.55
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 New Franklin, your appliances are currently losing 27% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In New Franklin | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 2.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -67% |
| Washing Machine | 6 yrs | 12 yrs | -50% |
| Water Heater | 7.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -51% |
Regional Water Comparison
How New Franklin compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ New Franklin, Ohio | 206 mg/L | 8.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Green, Ohio | 196 mg/L | 7.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Barberton, Ohio | 223.5 mg/L | 8.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Akron, Ohio | 160.5 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Massillon, Ohio | 231 mg/L | 9.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How New Franklin compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ New Franklin | 206 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes New Franklin's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
New Franklin, Ohio, in Summit County — a Summit County city adjacent to Norton and Barberton in the south Akron metro — receives its water from the Akron Water Supply Bureau or Summit County utilities, drawing from the Mahoning River or Portage Lakes (Summit County) through the northeast Ohio distribution.
The very hard 206 mg/L hardness and TDS of 473.3 mg/L reflect the northeast Ohio Allegheny Plateau supply's very hard calcareous character — harder than the Westmoreland County PA communities (Greensburg: 138 mg/L) due to the Summit County Akron watershed's greater calcareous limestone contribution from the Ohio Till Plains calcareous formations. The Summit County watershed drains the Allegheny Plateau and Ohio Till Plains — Devonian Berea Sandstone (slightly calcareous), Mississippian Cuyahoga Formation (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Ordovician Trenton Limestone (calcareous), and Quaternary glacial till (calcareous — from Ohio limestone bedrock).
At 206 mg/L, New Franklin's water is very hard — scale builds steadily in kettles and appliances, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and water heaters should be descaled annually. Monthly descaling is recommended. The PFAS level of 8.1 ppt warrants a certified reverse osmosis drinking water filter — Akron-Canton Airport (Summit County — AFFF) and the northeast Ohio Akron industrial corridor contribute to New Franklin's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: New Franklin in Summit County draws from the Akron Water Supply Bureau on the Mahoning River or Portage Lakes (Summit County, northeast Ohio) — the watershed drains the Allegheny Plateau (Devonian Berea Sandstone — slightly calcareous, Mississippian Cuyahoga Formation — calcareous) via glacial till — Ohio Summit County Mahoning River-Portage Lakes Allegheny Plateau calcareous watershed produces very hard water at 206 mg/L with TDS 473.3 mg/L.