Wilmington Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.2 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
253.6 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.37
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 Wilmington, your appliances are currently losing 19% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Wilmington | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -41% |
| Washing Machine | 8.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -30% |
| Water Heater | 10 yrs | 15 yrs | -33% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Wilmington compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Wilmington, Ohio | 140.5 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Xenia, Ohio | 162 mg/L | 6.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Beavercreek, Ohio | 188 mg/L | 7.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Lebanon, Ohio | 193.5 mg/L | 7.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Centerville, Ohio | 164.5 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Wilmington compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Wilmington | 140.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Wilmington's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Wilmington, Ohio, in Clinton County — the Clinton County seat adjacent to Washington Court House and Hillsboro on the East Fork Little Miami River in southwest Ohio — receives its water from the City of Wilmington Water, drawing from the East Fork Little Miami River (Clinton County) through the southwest Ohio distribution.
The hard 140.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 253.6 mg/L reflect the southwest Ohio Clinton County Little Miami supply's hard calcareous character — softer than Loveland OH (238.5/606) downstream in Hamilton County on the same Little Miami River because Wilmington draws from the upper headwaters with less accumulated calcareous contact (compare Loveland OH: 238.5/606 downstream harder; Wilmington softer from the upper Clinton County reach). The East Fork Little Miami at Clinton County — Ordovician Cincinnatian Series limestone (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (dolomitic — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Little Miami alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 140.5 mg/L with TDS 254, Wilmington's water is hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need periodic cleaning. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.4 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Clinton County southwest Ohio military (Wilmington Air Park) and industrial corridor contribute to Wilmington's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Wilmington in Clinton County draws from the City of Wilmington Water on the East Fork Little Miami River (Clinton County, southwest Ohio) — the East Fork Little Miami at Clinton County drains the Appalachian Plateau (Ordovician Cincinnatian Series limestone — calcareous) and Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (dolomitic) — Ohio Clinton County Little Miami River Ordovician-Silurian calcareous supply produces hard water at 140.5 mg/L with TDS 253.6 mg/L.