Tallmadge Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The City of Tallmadge provides drinking water to residents in Summit County, Ohio, sourcing its supply from surface water treated by the City of Akron Water Plant Division. This utility processes approximately 35 million gallons per day from the Upper Cuyahoga River, collected via three impounding reservoirs. Treatment occurs at Akron's facilities, serving Tallmadge among 80 communities in the greater Cleveland area. Annual Consumer Confidence Reports are published by Tallmadge on its official website at tallmadgeoh.gov, detailing compliance with EPA standards.

The Cuyahoga River watershed drains 813 square miles of forested plateaus, agricultural lands, and urban areas within the glaciated Allegheny Plateau. Underlying geology features Devonian shale, siltstone, and limestone formations of the Berea Group and Chagrin Formation, interspersed with Pleistocene Wisconsinan glacial sediments. These carbonate-bearing rocks slowly dissolve, elevating mineral content during reservoir storage, while organic matter from the watershed adds natural coloration addressed through treatment — resulting in a moderately mineralised water profile.

Moderately hard water promotes moderate limescale buildup in appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters, reducing efficiency and increasing energy costs over time. Faucet aerators and showerheads may clog, diminishing flow. Regular vinegar descaling and annual heater flushes are recommended; a water softener is advisable for households noticing soap scum or spotting on dishes. Akron's treatment involves coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection with chlorine; pH typically ranges 7.5–8.5, and orthophosphate is added to meet lead and copper action levels, with fluoride dosed at 0.7 mg/L.