Beaver Dam Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.9 grains per gallon
Source
groundwater
pH Level
7.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
188.4 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.23
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 Beaver Dam, your appliances are currently losing 11% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Beaver Dam | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -20% |
| Washing Machine | 10.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -13% |
| Water Heater | 12.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -19% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Beaver Dam compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Beaver Dam, Wisconsin | 84.5 mg/L | 2.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | groundwater |
| Watertown, Wisconsin | 228 mg/L | 6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Sun Prairie, Wisconsin | 196.5 mg/L | 5.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Hartford, Wisconsin | 93.5 mg/L | 3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | groundwater |
| Oconomowoc, Wisconsin | 258.5 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How Beaver Dam compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Beaver Dam | 84.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Beaver Dam's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, in Dodge County — the Dodge County seat adjacent to Waupun and Juneau on the Beaver Dam River in south-central Wisconsin — receives its municipal water from the Beaver Dam Water Division, drawing from local groundwater wells in the Dodge County glacial aquifer (south-central Wisconsin).
The moderately soft 84.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 188.4 mg/L are softer than expected for a Wisconsin supply near the Niagara Dolomite zone (Green Bay, Fond du Lac are typically 400+ mg/L). The Dodge County aquifer draws from Quaternary glacial outwash sand and gravel (low carbonate from the mixed till deposits), which sits above the Silurian Niagara Dolomite bedrock (the dominant Wisconsin carbonate platform). The glacial outwash production zone's limited contact with the dolomite bedrock produces the moderately soft supply compared to communities drawing directly from the Niagara Dolomite bedrock aquifer.
At 84.5 mg/L, Beaver Dam's water is moderately soft — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and bathroom fixtures need occasional cleaning. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 2.8 ppt is very low — the Dodge County south-central Wisconsin agricultural setting has very limited industrial PFAS sources, and the rural character produces very clean PFAS readings.
Geology & Source: Beaver Dam in Dodge County draws from the Beaver Dam Water Division on local wells (Dodge County, south-central Wisconsin) — the Dodge County aquifer is developed in Quaternary glacial outwash sand above Silurian Niagara Dolomite bedrock — Wisconsin Dodge County glacial aquifer Silurian dolomite bedrock produces moderately soft water at 84.5 mg/L with TDS 188.4 mg/L in this Dodge County Wisconsin city.