Springfield Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The Springfield City Public Water System (PWS) serves approximately 60,680 residents in Springfield and parts of Clark County, Ohio. Water is sourced from 12 wells in the Mad River Valley Buried Aquifer, treated at the Springfield Water Treatment Plant located at 201 Eagle City Road. The utility employs conventional treatment including softening and chlorination. A Wellhead Protection Area safeguards the well field within a 5-year time-of-travel zone to prevent contamination of this groundwater-based supply.

The supply draws from the Mad River Valley watershed in west-central Ohio, where glacial outwash and till overlie Paleozoic carbonate bedrock. The buried aquifer is embedded in Silurian dolomite and Devonian limestone formations, which naturally mineralize the water to a hard character through dissolution of calcium and magnesium-bearing rocks. This geology results in significant mineral content prior to treatment, moderated somewhat by softening processes but retaining a hard profile post-treatment.

Hard water at 148 mg/L leads to scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, reducing efficiency and lifespan while increasing energy costs. Affected appliances show white deposits, reduced flow, and soap scum. Regular maintenance such as vinegar descaling, installing sediment filters, and flushing heaters helps mitigate these effects. A whole-home water softener is recommended to prevent scale and improve lathering. The utility reports 3 contaminants above EPA health-based guidelines, including bromodichloromethane; groundwater is treated with softening, filtration, and chlorine disinfection. Contact Springfield PWS at 937-525-5880 for the latest reports.