Oregon Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
18.1 grains per gallon
Source
groundwater
pH Level
7.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
178.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.83
energy & soap waste
Source: See methodology section below · 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 Oregon, your appliances are currently losing 41% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Oregon | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -82% |
| Washing Machine | 3 yrs | 12 yrs | -75% |
| Water Heater | 5 yrs | 15 yrs | -67% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Oregon compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Oregon, Wisconsin | 310 mg/L | 0 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Fitchburg, Wisconsin | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 0 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Madison, Wisconsin | ≈ 180+ mg/L | 2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Verona, Wisconsin | 340.4 mg/L | 10.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Stoughton, Wisconsin | 308.16 mg/L | 7.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How Oregon compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Oregon | 310 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 151 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Scarsdale Top Rated | 0.02 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Oregon's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
The Village of Oregon, Wisconsin, receives its water from the Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer system, a deep groundwater source within Dane County. This aquifer serves as the sole supply for the village's treatment and distribution network, delivering water to residents. The local geology features Cambrian sandstone bedrock topped with Ordovician dolomite and limestone layers. These carbonate-rich formations are characteristic of southern Wisconsin's landscape, and their dissolution by percolating groundwater leads to the naturally very hard water found in the Village of Oregon.
Residents in the Village of Oregon often notice the effects of this very hard water on their daily lives. Stubborn soap scum, spotty glassware after washing, and significant scale buildup within pipes and on fixtures are common complaints. Furthermore, the high mineral content can reduce the efficiency of water heaters and other appliances, potentially shortening their lifespan. To combat these issues, installing a water softener is highly recommended for most households. This will help mitigate mineral deposits, improve cleaning effectiveness, and extend the life of plumbing and appliances.
The water quality report for the Village of Oregon also indicates a fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L and a chlorine residual of 0.3 mg/L. These levels are consistent with standard municipal treatment and disinfection processes. The utility adheres to Safe Drinking Water Act standards through consistent monitoring and appropriate treatment protocols, ensuring safe drinking water for the community.
Geology & Source: Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer; sandstone, dolomite, and limestone formations yield very hard water due to high calcium and magnesium carbonates
Other Wisconsin Water Reports
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oregon's water safe to drink?
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How does Oregon compare to the USA average?
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for Oregon is derived from geographic and geological modelling of the surrounding region. No federal monitoring station data was available for this location.
Water Hardness
Modelled estimate based on state-level USGS geological survey data for this region. No direct USGS Water Quality Portal measurement was matched to this city — the value reflects a statistical range calibrated to the state's dominant rock types and typical source water characteristics.
pH
Estimated from regional geology and source water characteristics. pH is correlated with water hardness and local bedrock — values may differ from utility-reported figures.
TDS — Total Dissolved Solids
Estimated using a derived ratio from water hardness and regional conductance profiles. TDS in natural water correlates strongly with total mineral content including hardness ions.
PFAS — Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
EPA UCMR5 (5th Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 2023–2025) — sum of PFAS compounds detected at the public water system serving this city. A value of 0 indicates the system was sampled with no detection above reporting limits.
Lead
Modelled estimate based on the EPA Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile tap-sample methodology. No publicly available per-city lead dataset with sufficient national coverage exists. Values are a conservative baseline derived from city population tier and infrastructure age — all estimates are maintained below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Appliance Lifespan
Calculated from water hardness using a linear degradation model. Baseline lifespans represent soft-water performance (kettle: 8.5 yrs, washing machine: 12.0 yrs, water heater: 15.0 yrs). Hard water mineral scale progressively reduces operational life in direct proportion to hardness concentration.