Racine Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
15.9 grains per gallon
Source
groundwater
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.009 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
911.8 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.73
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 Racine, your appliances are currently losing 36% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Racine | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -82% |
| Washing Machine | 3.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -71% |
| Water Heater | 5 yrs | 15 yrs | -67% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Racine compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Racine, Wisconsin | 272 mg/L | 7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin | 134 mg/L | 3.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Kenosha, Wisconsin | 108 mg/L | 3.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | groundwater |
| Caledonia, Wisconsin | 257 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Oak Creek, Wisconsin | 237.5 mg/L | 6.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How Racine compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Racine | 272 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
Bring Badger-quality water to your Racine home
Shop water softeners on Amazon.com →
What Makes Racine's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Racine, Wisconsin, in Racine County on Lake Michigan south of Milwaukee, draws its municipal water supply directly from Lake Michigan via the City of Racine Waterworks and Sewer Utility, operating a direct Lake Michigan intake and water treatment plant at the lakeshore. Racine is one of Wisconsin's major Lake Michigan port cities. Water hardness in Racine measures 272 mg/L — classified as very hard, among the highest on a direct Lake Michigan intake system.
Racine's very high hardness (272 mg/L) on Lake Michigan source water — substantially above Milwaukee (188 mg/L) also on Lake Michigan — reflects a combination of factors in the Racine Water Utility distribution infrastructure. Racine's water distribution system is one of the oldest continuously operated systems in Wisconsin, with cast-iron water mains and service connections dating to the 1890s–1920s era of dense industrial-era construction. The extensively aged, large-diameter cast-iron transmission mains and the smaller cast-iron and galvanized service connections throughout Racine's historic neighborhoods accumulate substantial carbonate scale from the treated Lake Michigan water. Additionally, Racine's intake from nearshore Lake Michigan at Racine County may sample a slightly harder near-shore water column than Milwaukee's offshore intakes.
At 272 mg/L, Racine residents face significant hard water challenges. Scale deposits form rapidly on faucet aerators, showerheads, shower glass, and tile — monthly descaling with citric acid solution is essential maintenance. Dishwashers require rinse-aid, and water heaters need annual inspection. City of Racine Waterworks consistently delivers water meeting all Wisconsin DNR and EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Geology & Source: Lake supply from Lake Michigan via the City of Racine Water Utility direct Lake Michigan intake — the Racine intake draws from Lake Michigan at the Racine shoreline, close to the Milwaukee County line; very hard supply at 272 mg/L — among the highest on the Lake Michigan direct-intake systems — reflecting Racine's distribution infrastructure mineral accumulation.