University Heights Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
12.9 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
530.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.59
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 University Heights, your appliances are currently losing 29% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In University Heights | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 2.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -73% |
| Washing Machine | 5.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -55% |
| Water Heater | 6.8 yrs | 15 yrs | -55% |
Regional Water Comparison
How University Heights compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ University Heights, Ohio | 220.5 mg/L | 8.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Shaker Heights, Ohio | 188.5 mg/L | 7.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Cleveland Heights, Ohio | 164 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| South Euclid, Ohio | 235.5 mg/L | 9.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Lyndhurst, Ohio | 193.5 mg/L | 7.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How University Heights compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ University Heights | 220.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes University Heights's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
University Heights, Ohio, in Cuyahoga County — a Cuyahoga County city adjacent to Cleveland Heights and South Euclid in the east Cleveland metro — receives its water from Cleveland Water, drawing from Lake Erie (Cuyahoga County) through the Cleveland metro distribution.
The very hard 220.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 530.7 mg/L reflect the northeast Ohio Cuyahoga County Lake Erie supply's very hard dolomitic character — Lake Erie receives drainage from the Great Lakes Basin's Silurian Lockport Dolomite and Devonian carbonate platform, accumulating calcareous hardness across the lake's watershed (compare Brecksville OH: 210 mg/L; Copley OH: 215 mg/L — all Cleveland Water Lake Erie supply). The Lake Erie at Cuyahoga County — Silurian Lockport Dolomite (dolomitic — primary hardness contributor from Ohio-Michigan basin), Devonian Ohio Shale (slightly calcareous — TDS contributor), and Quaternary glacial Great Lakes alluvium (calcareous — secondary contributor).
At 220.5 mg/L with TDS 531, University Heights' water is very hard. A water softener is strongly recommended to prevent rapid scale buildup. A reverse osmosis system is advisable for drinking water. The PFAS level of 8.7 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Cuyahoga County northeast Ohio industrial corridor and Cleveland metro contribute to University Heights' elevated readings.
Geology & Source: University Heights in Cuyahoga County draws from the Cleveland Water on Lake Erie (Cuyahoga County, northeast Ohio) — Lake Erie at Cuyahoga County drains the Great Lakes Basin through Silurian Lockport Dolomite (dolomitic) and Devonian Ohio Shale (slightly calcareous) dissolution — Ohio Cuyahoga County Lake Erie Silurian-Devonian dolomitic calcareous supply produces very hard water at 220.5 mg/L with TDS 530.7 mg/L.