Vermilion-on-the-Lake 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
595.4 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-on-the-Lake, your appliances are currently losing 31% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Vermilion-on-the-Lake | 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-on-the-Lake compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Vermilion-on-the-Lake, Ohio | 236 mg/L | 9.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Vermilion, Ohio | 235.5 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-on-the-Lake compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Vermilion-on-the-Lake | 236 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-on-the-Lake's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Vermilion-on-the-Lake, Ohio, in Lorain County — a Lorain County community adjacent to Vermilion and Huron on Lake Erie in north-central Ohio — receives its water from the Vermilion Water Department or municipal supply, drawing from the Vermilion River or Lake Erie through the north-central Ohio distribution.
The very hard 236 mg/L hardness and high TDS of 595.4 mg/L reflect the Lorain County supply's very hard dolomitic character — the Devonian Ohio Shale and Silurian Niagaran Dolomite are calcareous-dolomitic formations in the north-central Ohio Lake Plain, and the Vermilion River acquires substantial dissolved mineral content from its limestone and dolomite drainage (compare Vermilion OH: 232/584 in Lorain County comparable; Huron OH: 239/606 in Erie County comparable; Vermilion-on-the-Lake consistent very hard from the same Lorain County Vermilion River Silurian dolomitic supply). The Vermilion watershed — Devonian Ohio Shale (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (highly dolomitic — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Lake Plain alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 236 mg/L with TDS 595, Vermilion-on-the-Lake'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 Vermilion Water Department's annual report.
Geology & Source: Vermilion-on-the-Lake in Lorain County draws from the Vermilion Water on the Vermilion River (Lorain County, north-central Ohio) — the Vermilion watershed drains Devonian Ohio Shale (calcareous) and Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (highly dolomitic) — Ohio Lorain County Vermilion River Silurian dolomitic supply produces very hard water at 236 mg/L with TDS 595.4 mg/L.