Parma Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
9.6 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
325.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.44
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 Parma, your appliances are currently losing 22% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Parma | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -51% |
| Washing Machine | 7.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -38% |
| Water Heater | 9 yrs | 15 yrs | -40% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Parma compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Parma, Ohio | 164 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Parma Heights, Ohio | 164.5 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Clark-Fulton, Ohio | 251 mg/L | 9.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Detroit-Shoreway, Ohio | 250.5 mg/L | 9.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Brook Park, Ohio | 177 mg/L | 6.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Parma compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Parma | 164 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Parma's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Parma, Ohio — the second-largest city in Cuyahoga County, immediately south of Cleveland in the southwest Cleveland suburbs — draws its municipal water supply from Lake Erie via the Cleveland Division of Water (CDW), which treats Lake Erie water at the Nottingham and Morgan/Baldwin water treatment plants and distributes to Cleveland and surrounding communities including Parma via a wholesale arrangement. Parma receives CDW water through the Cuyahoga County southwest suburban distribution network. Water hardness in Parma measures 164 mg/L — classified as hard, notably higher than Cleveland proper (118 mg/L) on the same Lake Erie source.
Parma's higher hardness compared to Cleveland proper (both CDW Lake Erie customers) likely reflects the extended southwest suburban distribution zone characteristics and possible local groundwater influence. Parma overlies the Devonian Berea Sandstone and the Mississippian Bedford Shale (a local calcareous shale formation in the Cleveland area), with the Silurian–Devonian carbonate succession at depth. The southwest Cuyahoga County distribution loop from CDW may incorporate local groundwater from the Cuyahoga County carbonate aquifer in some service areas, or the extended distribution network in the older southwest suburban pipe infrastructure shows increased mineral accumulation versus the primary Cleveland distribution loop.
At 164 mg/L, Parma 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. Dishwashers require rinse-aid, and water heaters benefit from annual inspection. Cleveland Division of Water consistently delivers water meeting all Ohio EPA and federal EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Geology & Source: Lake supply from Lake Erie via the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) and Cleveland Division of Water distribution — the Cuyahoga County western suburban distribution zone receiving treated Lake Erie water; hard supply at 164 mg/L in Cuyahoga County — somewhat harder than Cleveland proper (118 mg/L), reflecting Cuyahoga County western suburban distribution differences.