Milwaukee Water Hardness & Water Quality

Introduction

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a major city on the shores of Lake Michigan, faces a mix of water quality challenges, including concerns about hardness and specific contaminants. Understanding these issues is crucial for residents to make informed decisions about their water usage and treatment.

Milwaukee Water Hardness

Milwaukee’s water source, primarily Lake Michigan, contributes to its water hardness. Lake Michigan water is considered moderately hard.

  • Hardness Scale:

    • Soft: 0-60 mg/L (0-3.5 grains per gallon)

    • Moderately Hard: 61-120 mg/L (3.5-7.0 gpg)

    • Hard: 121-180 mg/L (7.0-10.5 gpg)

    • Very Hard: Over 180 mg/L (10.5 gpg)

  • Milwaukee Hardness Level: Milwaukee’s water generally falls into the “Moderately Hard” category.

Effects of Hard Water

Moderately hard water can lead to several common issues: A simple solution to deal with your Hard Water issues is installing a Pearl Plus.

  • Scale Buildup: Mineral deposits can accumulate in pipes, fixtures, and appliances, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.

  • Soap Scum: Hard water can react with soap to form a sticky film, making it harder to lather and leaving residues on skin and hair.

  • Dry Skin and Hair: Hard water can contribute to dryness and irritation.

  • Spotty Dishes: Mineral deposits can leave spots and streaks on dishes and glassware.

Water Quality Concerns in Milwaukee

While Milwaukee’s water is treated to meet federal safety standards, some concerns persist:

  • Lead: Like many older cities, Milwaukee has aging infrastructure, including lead service lines that can leach lead into the water.

  • PFAS: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals that have been detected in Milwaukee’s water. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and have potential health risks.

  • Microbial Contaminants: Although treatment processes are in place, there’s always a potential risk of bacterial or viral contamination.

Water Treatment in Milwaukee

Milwaukee Water Works treats the city’s water to ensure it meets safety standards. Treatment processes include:

  • Coagulation and Sedimentation: To remove suspended particles.

  • Filtration: To further remove impurities.

  • Disinfection: To kill bacteria and viruses.

  • Corrosion Control: To minimize lead leaching from pipes.

Tips for Milwaukee Residents

  • Test Your Water: If you have concerns about lead or other contaminants, consider having your water tested by a certified laboratory.

  • Use a Water Filter: A water filter can help remove specific contaminants, such as lead, PFAS, and chlorine, improving taste and quality. We recommend the HydroFLOW Force Field Filter like the one in our Ultimate filtration System.

  • Flush Pipes: If you live in an older home with lead pipes, flush your tap water for a few minutes before drinking it, especially after periods of inactivity.

  • Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on water quality reports from Milwaukee Water Works.