Stoughton Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
10.4 grains per gallon
Source
groundwater
pH Level
8.1
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
498.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.48
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 Stoughton, your appliances are currently losing 24% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Stoughton | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -56% |
| Washing Machine | 7 yrs | 12 yrs | -42% |
| Water Heater | 8.5 yrs | 15 yrs | -43% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Stoughton compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Stoughton, Wisconsin | 178.5 mg/L | 4.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Madison, Wisconsin | 145.5 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Fitchburg, Wisconsin | 107 mg/L | 3.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | groundwater |
| Sun Prairie, Wisconsin | 196.5 mg/L | 5.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Janesville, Wisconsin | 258.5 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How Stoughton compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Stoughton | 178.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Stoughton's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Stoughton, Wisconsin, in Dane County — a Dane County city adjacent to Edgerton and McFarland on the Yahara River in south-central Wisconsin — receives its water from the City of Stoughton Water, drawing from the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer (Dane County) through the south-central Wisconsin distribution.
The hard 178.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 498.5 mg/L reflect the south-central Wisconsin Dane County Prairie du Chien Dolomite aquifer supply's hard dolomitic character — consistent with the Dane County dolomite aquifer communities (compare Waunakee WI: 233.5/728.8; Stoughton somewhat softer from a shallower Prairie du Chien draw at lower confined pressure) where the Ordovician dolomite platform produces hard, high-TDS water. The Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer at Dane County — Ordovician Prairie du Chien Dolomite (dolomitic — primary hardness contributor), Ordovician Oneota Dolomite (dolomitic — secondary contributor), and Cambrian Jordan Sandstone (insoluble — dilutant at base).
At 178.5 mg/L with TDS 499, Stoughton'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 4.9 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Dane County Madison metro industrial corridor contribute to Stoughton's readings.
Geology & Source: Stoughton in Dane County draws from the City of Stoughton Water on the Cambrian Jordan Sandstone and Ordovician Prairie du Chien Dolomite aquifer (Dane County, south-central Wisconsin) — the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer at Dane County produces dolomitic water (dolomitic) from Ordovician Oneota Dolomite and Prairie du Chien Dolomite — Wisconsin Dane County Prairie du Chien Ordovician dolomitic aquifer produces hard water at 178.5 mg/L with TDS 498.5 mg/L.