Reading Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
13.7 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
586.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.62
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 Reading, your appliances are currently losing 31% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Reading | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -78% |
| Washing Machine | 4.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -59% |
| Water Heater | 6.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -59% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Reading compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Reading, Ohio | 234 mg/L | 9.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Sharonville, Ohio | 214.5 mg/L | 8.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Blue Ash, Ohio | 234.5 mg/L | 9.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Norwood, Ohio | 255.5 mg/L | 10.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Springdale, Ohio | 105 mg/L | 4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Reading compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Reading | 234 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
Bring Badger-quality water to your Reading home
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What Makes Reading's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Reading, Ohio, in Hamilton County — a Hamilton County city adjacent to Sharonville and Evendale in the north Cincinnati suburbs — receives its water from the Greater Cincinnati Water Works, drawing from the Ohio River through the southwest Ohio distribution.
The very hard 234 mg/L hardness and high TDS of 586.3 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; the Ohio River acquires substantial dissolved mineral content from its Appalachian-limestone drainage, and Reading's north Cincinnati distribution zone receives consistent very hard supply (compare Sharonville OH: 230/576 in Hamilton County comparable; Evendale OH: 237/597 in Hamilton County comparable; Reading 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 234 mg/L with TDS 586, Reading's water is very hard — a water softener is strongly recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. The PFAS level of 9.2 ppt is very elevated — a certified filter with PFAS removal is strongly recommended. Review Greater Cincinnati Water Works' annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Reading 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 234 mg/L with TDS 586.3 mg/L.