Vermilion Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
13.8 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
593.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.63
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 Vermilion, your appliances are currently losing 31% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Vermilion | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -79% |
| Washing Machine | 4.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -59% |
| Water Heater | 6.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -59% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Vermilion compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Vermilion, Ohio | 235.5 mg/L | 9.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Vermilion-on-the-Lake, Ohio | 236 mg/L | 9.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Amherst, Ohio | 174 mg/L | 6.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Lorain, Ohio | 179.5 mg/L | 7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Elyria, Ohio | 160 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Vermilion compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Vermilion | 235.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Vermilion's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Vermilion, Ohio, in Lorain County — a Lorain County city adjacent to Amherst and Huron on the Vermilion River at Lake Erie in north Ohio — receives its water from the City of Vermilion Water Department, drawing from the Vermilion River and Lake Erie supply through the north Ohio distribution.
The very hard 235.5 mg/L hardness and high TDS of 593.3 mg/L reflect the Lorain County supply's very hard calcareous character — the Devonian Columbus Limestone and Silurian Clinton Formation are highly calcareous formations in the Lake Erie limestone basin; the Vermilion River acquires substantial dissolved mineral content from its north Ohio Devonian limestone drainage before entering Lake Erie (compare Amherst OH: 231/582 in Lorain County comparable; Huron OH: 239/604 in Erie County comparable; Vermilion consistent very hard from the same Lorain County Vermilion River Devonian calcareous supply). The Vermilion River watershed — Devonian Columbus Limestone (highly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Silurian Clinton Formation (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Lake Erie till plain (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 235.5 mg/L with TDS 593, Vermilion's water is very hard — a water softener is strongly recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. The PFAS level of 9.3 ppt is very elevated — a certified filter with PFAS removal is strongly recommended. Review the City of Vermilion's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Vermilion in Lorain County draws from the Vermilion Water on the Vermilion River supply (Lorain County, north Ohio) — the Vermilion watershed draws from Devonian Columbus Limestone (highly calcareous) and Silurian Clinton Formation (calcareous) — Ohio Lorain County Vermilion River Devonian calcareous supply produces very hard water at 235.5 mg/L with TDS 593.3 mg/L.