Plover Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
12.6 grains per gallon
Source
groundwater
pH Level
8.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.006 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
654.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.58
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 Plover, your appliances are currently losing 29% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Plover | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 2.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -71% |
| Washing Machine | 5.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -53% |
| Water Heater | 6.9 yrs | 15 yrs | -54% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Plover compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Plover, Wisconsin | 216.5 mg/L | 5.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Stevens Point, Wisconsin | 167.5 mg/L | 4.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin | 139 mg/L | 4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Weston, Wisconsin | 81.5 mg/L | 2.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | groundwater |
| Wausau, Wisconsin | 237 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How Plover compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Plover | 216.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Plover's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Plover, Wisconsin, in Portage County — a Portage County village adjacent to Stevens Point and Plover in central Wisconsin — receives its water from the Village of Plover Water, drawing from the Cambrian sandstone aquifer (Portage County) through the central Wisconsin distribution.
The very hard 216.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 654.1 mg/L reflect the central Wisconsin Portage County Cambrian dolomite aquifer supply's very hard character — the Ordovician Galena Dolomite and Cambrian Eau Claire Formation produce very hard water throughout the central Wisconsin dolomite aquifer communities (compare Platteville WI: 201/588 in Grant County comparable; Plover harder from the Portage County deeper Cambrian draw). The Cambrian aquifer at Portage County — Ordovician Galena Dolomite (dolomitic — primary hardness contributor), Cambrian Eau Claire Formation (slightly calcareous — secondary contributor), and Cambrian Jordan Sandstone (insoluble — dilutant at base).
At 216.5 mg/L with TDS 654, Plover'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 5.8 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Portage County central Wisconsin dairy and industrial corridor contribute to Plover's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Plover in Portage County draws from the Village of Plover Water on the Cambrian sandstone aquifer (Portage County, central Wisconsin) — the Cambrian aquifer at Portage County is developed in Ordovician Galena Dolomite (dolomitic) and Cambrian Eau Claire Formation (slightly calcareous) — Wisconsin Portage County Cambrian-Ordovician dolomitic aquifer produces very hard water at 216.5 mg/L with TDS 654.1 mg/L.