Does Illinois Have Hard Water? Causes, Signs & Solutions for Homeowners

Hard water is a common problem in Illinois, and many homeowners don’t realize it until mineral buildup affects their plumbing, appliances or even daily cleaning. Understanding what causes hard water and how it shows up in your home can help you prevent long-term plumbing damage and decide whether treatment should be considered.

Does Illinois Have Hard Water? A Statewide Overview

Hard water contains tiny particles of minerals (primarily magnesium and calcium). The more minerals the water contains, the harder it is. What qualifies as hard water varies, but in general, 7–10.5 GPG (grains per gallon) is considered "hard" to “very hard.”

Illinois is not an extreme case when it comes to water hardness; the states with the hardest water in the nation include Texas, Arizona and Nevada. Illinois water varies from 3.5–10.5 GPG, which means that water in Illinois can be moderate or very hard depending on the location. In the Chicago area, 7.6 to 8.8 GPG is common.

Why Water Hardness Varies Across Illinois

What makes water hard in the Midwest? Mineral-rich soils and bedrock infuse groundwater with calcium and magnesium. How many minerals are in your water depends on whether your water is coming from a private well, a municipal groundwater system or Lake Michigan. Illinois water sources vary by location.

Municipal ground water and Lake Michigan water may be treated to ensure water quality. Does water treatment remove hardness? No, minerals are not removed during standard municipal treatment, so the water hardness remains.

If you're a homeowner in Illinois, you can confirm if your groundwater supply measures at a high level by researching municipal data or by purchasing a basic test kit and following the directions.

How Hard Water Affects Illinois Homes (and What Homeowners Can Do)

Is hard water safe to drink? Yes. Hard water is not a health risk, but it can create many problems in Illinois homes.

• Spots and soap scum: Hard water scale buildup leaves mineral deposits on surfaces, creating spots on dishes and a filmy layer known as soap scum. These deposits may not be obvious at first, but once the buildup is significant, it can be difficult to remove.
• Strange taste: Hard water can sometimes affect taste.
• Weak water pressure: Hard water buildup in pipes leads to weak water pressure because mineral scale reduces water flow over time.
• Shortened service life for plumbing fixtures and appliances: Once mineral deposits start to build up in appliances (like the water heater), the appliances often deteriorate more quickly.
• Skin irritation: Even people have a hard time getting clean when showering in a house with hard water. Dry skin and hair are common problems among people living in homes with hard water.

Fortunately, if your home has hard water, there are many things you can do to avoid these problems.

Routine Plumbing and Water Heater Maintenance

Is hard water bad for plumbing? Over time, it can be. One of the best ways to limit mineral buildup and long-term damage is to stay on top of the issues with plumbing services from a trusted professional. Water heaters can develop mineral buildup in the bottom of the water tank, which can lead to premature deterioration of the appliance. Flushing the tank periodically helps reduce sediment buildup.

Use a Water Softener or Filtration System

Some homeowners with hard water require a water softener, others require a filtration system, and some need both. Water softener benefits are numerous and typically address problems with calcium and magnesium, while water filters can remove other water contaminants. Knowing what's in your water can help you decide which one is right for you.

Seek Guidance From a Trusted Professional Plumber

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency provides a lot of information about water quality and minerals found in Illinois water, but many people prefer to rely on local professionals like the plumbers at Mendel to help assess the conditions in their area and determine next steps.

If you need information about how to test water hardness at home, have questions like how does hard water damage appliances or if you need to install a water softener, contact us. We provide services to homeowners in St. Charles and the surrounding area. We're here to help.