Northbrook Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
14.7 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.009 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
661.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.67
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 Northbrook, your appliances are currently losing 33% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Northbrook | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -82% |
| Washing Machine | 4.3 yrs | 12 yrs | -64% |
| Water Heater | 5.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -63% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Northbrook compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Northbrook, Ohio | 251 mg/L | 9.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| White Oak, Ohio | 128 mg/L | 4.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Monfort Heights, Ohio | 168.5 mg/L | 6.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Finneytown, Ohio | 217.5 mg/L | 8.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Forest Park, Ohio | 243.5 mg/L | 9.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Northbrook compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Northbrook | 251 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Northbrook's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Northbrook, Ohio, in Hamilton County — a Hamilton County community adjacent to Cincinnati and Cheviot in the southwest Ohio Cincinnati metro — receives its water from the Greater Cincinnati Water Works, drawing from the Ohio River through the southwest Ohio distribution.
The very hard 251 mg/L hardness and high TDS of 661.2 mg/L reflect the Hamilton County supply's very hard calcareous character — the Ordovician Cincinnatian Limestone and Silurian Clinton Formation are highly calcareous formations in the Cincinnati Arch, and the Ohio River acquires substantial dissolved mineral content from its extensive Appalachian-limestone drainage (compare Cincinnati OH: 247/650 in Hamilton County comparable; Cheviot OH: 254/672 in Hamilton County comparable; Northbrook consistent very hard from the same Hamilton County Ohio River Ordovician calcareous supply). The Ohio River at Hamilton County — Ordovician Cincinnatian Limestone (highly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Silurian Clinton Formation (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Ohio River alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 251 mg/L with TDS 661, Northbrook's water is very hard — a water softener is strongly recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. The PFAS level of 9.9 ppt is very elevated — a certified filter with PFAS removal is strongly recommended. Review Greater Cincinnati Water Works' annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Northbrook in Hamilton County draws from the Greater Cincinnati Water Works on the Ohio River (Hamilton County, southwest Ohio) — the Ohio River at Hamilton County draws from Ordovician Cincinnatian Limestone (highly calcareous) and Silurian Clinton Formation (calcareous) — Ohio Hamilton County Ohio River Ordovician calcareous supply produces very hard water at 251 mg/L with TDS 661.2 mg/L.