Glendale Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
11.6 grains per gallon
Source
groundwater
pH Level
8.2
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.006 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
578.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.53
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 Glendale, your appliances are currently losing 26% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Glendale | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -65% |
| Washing Machine | 6.3 yrs | 12 yrs | -48% |
| Water Heater | 7.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -49% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Glendale compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Glendale, Wisconsin | 198.5 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin | 97 mg/L | 3.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | groundwater |
| Shorewood, Wisconsin | 246.5 mg/L | 6.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Milwaukee, Wisconsin | 147 mg/L | 7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Wauwatosa, Wisconsin | 240 mg/L | 6.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How Glendale compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Glendale | 198.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Glendale's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Glendale, Wisconsin, in Milwaukee County — a Milwaukee County city adjacent to Whitefish Bay and Shorewood on Milwaukee County in southeast Wisconsin — receives its water from the Glendale Water Utility, drawing from the Silurian Niagaran Dolomite aquifer (Milwaukee County) through the southeast Wisconsin distribution.
The hard 198.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 578.3 mg/L reflect the southeast Wisconsin Milwaukee County Niagaran Dolomite aquifer supply's hard dolomitic character — the Silurian Niagaran Dolomite aquifer across Milwaukee County produces hard water with elevated TDS typical of the southeast Wisconsin communities drawing from the dolomite platform (compare Stoughton WI: 178.5/499; Shorewood WI: 216/612 on the similar Milwaukee County Silurian aquifer). The Niagaran Dolomite aquifer at Milwaukee County — Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (highly dolomitic — primary hardness contributor), Ordovician Maquoketa Shale (slightly calcareous — secondary contributor), and Cambrian Jordan Sandstone (insoluble — dilutant at base).
At 198.5 mg/L with TDS 578, Glendale's water is hard. A water softener is recommended to prevent scale buildup. A reverse osmosis system is advisable for drinking water. The PFAS level of 5.4 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Milwaukee County southeast Wisconsin industrial corridor contribute to Glendale's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Glendale in Milwaukee County draws from the Glendale Water Utility on the Silurian Niagaran Dolomite aquifer (Milwaukee County, southeast Wisconsin) — the Niagaran Dolomite at Milwaukee County is developed in Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (highly dolomitic) and Ordovician Maquoketa Shale (slightly calcareous) — Wisconsin Milwaukee County Niagaran Dolomite Silurian-Ordovician dolomitic aquifer produces hard water at 198.5 mg/L with TDS 578.3 mg/L.