Water Quality Report for Cleveland, Ohio

Overview

Cleveland, Ohio, sources its water from Lake Erie, and the Cleveland Water Division ensures that the water meets all state and federal standards. The water quality is regularly monitored and reported to ensure safety and compliance.

Contaminants

Cleveland’s water is generally considered safe to drink, with no active health-based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)1. However, like many urban areas, it does contain some contaminants, including:

  • Lead: While Cleveland has made significant efforts to reduce lead levels, older homes with lead pipes may still pose a risk. It’s recommended to use filters certified to remove lead if you live in an older home.
  • Disinfection Byproducts: These can form when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. Cleveland monitors and controls these levels to stay within safe limits.

Water Hardness

Water hardness in Cleveland is considered moderate to hard. The average water hardness is around 125 parts per million (ppm) or 7 grains per gallon (gpg)23. This level of hardness can affect the taste of the water and the efficiency of soaps and detergents. It may also cause scaling in pipes and appliances over time.

Effects of Hard Water

  • On Appliances: Mineral deposits can build up in pipes and appliances, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.
  • On Skin and Hair: Hard water can cause dryness and irritation, making it difficult to lather soap and shampoo.
  • On Cleaning: It can leave spots on dishes and glassware and make cleaning more challenging.

Solutions for water hardness in CITY NAME

  • Water Softeners: Installing a water softener can help reduce the hardness of the water. This is not the best option because water softeners exchange salt for hardness, adding an unhealthy amount of salt to your drinking water. Which is corrosive and bad for the environment. Its usage is also being banned in many municipalities.
  • HydroFLOW: this is the best option for treating hard water. It lets you keep the healthy calcium in your water but renders it harmless by not allowing it to adhere to your plumbing and fixture surfaces. Learn more about the benefits of HydroFLOW.

Water Quality Reports

The Cleveland Water Division publishes annual water quality reports that provide detailed information on the water quality, including the presence of various minerals and contaminants. These reports confirm that the drinking water meets all current state and federal standards4.

Recommendations

  • Lead Filters: If you live in an older home, consider using a water filter certified to remove lead.
  • Water Softening: For those concerned about water hardness, installing a water softener can help mitigate the effects on plumbing and appliances.