Port Washington Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
13.7 grains per gallon
Source
groundwater
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
736.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.63
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 Port Washington, your appliances are currently losing 31% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Port Washington | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -79% |
| Washing Machine | 4.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -59% |
| Water Heater | 6.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -59% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Port Washington compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Port Washington, Wisconsin | 235 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Grafton, Wisconsin | 224.5 mg/L | 6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Cedarburg, Wisconsin | 115.5 mg/L | 3.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | groundwater |
| Mequon, Wisconsin | 238 mg/L | 6.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Brown Deer, Wisconsin | 218.5 mg/L | 5.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How Port Washington compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Port Washington | 235 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Port Washington's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Port Washington, Wisconsin, in Ozaukee County — an Ozaukee County city adjacent to Grafton and Mequon on Lake Michigan in east-central Wisconsin — receives its water from the City of Port Washington Water Department, drawing from deep Silurian dolomite wells and Lake Michigan groundwater through the east-central Wisconsin distribution.
The very hard 235 mg/L hardness and high TDS of 736.1 mg/L reflect the Ozaukee County Lake Michigan basin supply's very hard dolomitic character — the Silurian Niagaran Dolomite and Ordovician Galena Dolomite are among the most calcareous formations in Wisconsin, and the deep groundwater wells tap highly mineralized dolomite zones (compare Grafton WI: 230/720 in Ozaukee County comparable; Mequon WI: 238/746 in Ozaukee County comparable; Port Washington consistent very hard from the same Ozaukee County Lake Michigan Silurian dolomitic groundwater supply). The Lake Michigan basin — Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (highly dolomitic — primary hardness contributor), Ordovician Galena Dolomite (dolomitic — secondary contributor), and Quaternary glacial till (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 235 mg/L with TDS 736, Port Washington's water is very hard — a water softener is strongly recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. The elevated TDS may noticeably affect taste. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 6.2 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter. Review the City of Port Washington's annual water quality report for the latest monitoring data.
Geology & Source: Port Washington in Ozaukee County draws from the Port Washington Water on the Lake Michigan aquifer (Ozaukee County, east-central Wisconsin) — the Lake Michigan basin at Ozaukee County is underlain by Silurian Niagaran Dolomite (highly dolomitic) and Ordovician Galena Dolomite (dolomitic) — Wisconsin Ozaukee County Lake Michigan Silurian dolomitic groundwater produces very hard water at 235 mg/L with TDS 736.1 mg/L.