Baraboo Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
14.1 grains per gallon
Source
groundwater
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
766 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.64
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 Baraboo, your appliances are currently losing 32% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Baraboo | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -81% |
| Washing Machine | 4.7 yrs | 12 yrs | -61% |
| Water Heater | 5.9 yrs | 15 yrs | -61% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Baraboo compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Baraboo, Wisconsin | 241.5 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Portage, Wisconsin | 236 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Waunakee, Wisconsin | 233.5 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Middleton, Wisconsin | 252.5 mg/L | 6.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Verona, Wisconsin | 161 mg/L | 4.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How Baraboo compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Baraboo | 241.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Baraboo's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Baraboo, Wisconsin, in Sauk County — the Sauk County seat adjacent to Reedsburg on the Baraboo River in south-central Wisconsin — receives its water from the City of Baraboo Water, drawing from Baraboo River groundwater (Sauk County) through the south-central Wisconsin distribution.
The very hard 241.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 766 mg/L are counterintuitively hard given the insoluble Precambrian Baraboo Quartzite that frames the Baraboo Range — reflecting the deeper aquifer draw at Sauk County where the water bypasses the Quartzite and contacts the calcareous Silurian and Ordovician dolomite formations beneath (compare Portage WI: 235/724 in Columbia County comparable; Baraboo essentially the same south-central Wisconsin deep dolomite draw). The Baraboo groundwater system — Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (highly dolomitic — primary hardness contributor at depth), Ordovician Galena Dolomite (dolomitic — secondary contributor), and Precambrian Baraboo Quartzite (insoluble — surface formation).
At 241.5 mg/L with TDS 766, Baraboo's 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 6.4 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Sauk County south-central Wisconsin industrial corridor contribute to Baraboo's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Baraboo in Sauk County is served by City of Baraboo Water drawing from Baraboo River groundwater — the Sauk County aquifer drains Precambrian Baraboo Quartzite (insoluble) and Cambrian Galesville Sandstone (insoluble) — WI Sauk County Baraboo quartzite groundwater supply produces very hard water at 241.5 mg/L with TDS 766 mg/L.