Hardness
Hard
167 PPM · 9.8 GPG
Local water dashboard
Official source aggregationWater quality in Sims, IL 62886
A source-transparent look at local hardness, associated public water systems, EPA compliance history, and the measurements that are—and are not—available for Wayne County.
1 active health-based violation
- Primary matched system
- Sims
- Source water
- Surface water
- County
- Wayne County
- Profile updated
At a glance
What the current records say
EPA quarter 2026Q2
Compliance screen
Review needed
1 active health-based record
Lead 90th percentile
0 mg/L
0% of action level
Utility match
1 system
Serves 244 people system-wide
Hardness meter
How hard is the water?
Estimated local hardness
USGS hardness classification scale
167 PPM
Soft
0–59Moderate
60–120Hard
121–180Very hard
181+
0–59Moderate
60–120Hard
121–180Very hard
181+
Parts per million
167
mg/L as CaCO₃ equivalent
Grains per gallon
9.8
1 GPG ≈ 17.1 PPM
What this means at home
At 167 PPM, mineral scale can build up on fixtures and heating elements, reduce soap lather, and leave visible spotting. Hardness is primarily an aesthetic and appliance concern—not itself a tap-water safety rating.
USGS sites used
2
Nearest site
36.5 mi
Observation range
Jan 5, 2016–May 28, 2026
Estimate confidence
Low
Median of the latest qualifying hardness observation at each nearby monitoring site. Nearest monitoring location: WABASH RIVER AT NEW HARMONY, IN (Stream).USGS source documentation ↗
Regional context
Is 62886 typical?
These comparisons use other indexed ZIP estimates, not utility tap samples. They help show local context without replacing a household test.
Sims median
167 PPM
About the same1 indexed ZIP readings · Range 167–167 PPM
Illinois median
285 PPM
118 PPM lower1065 indexed ZIP readings · Range 115–408 PPM
EPA benchmark screen
Contaminant snapshot
Available numerical results from associated SDWIS community water systems, compared with the applicable action level or federal MCL. Federal measured-value coverage is incomplete.
1 pass
Lead (PB90)
0 mg/L
Reported Jun 30, 2026
Copper (CU90)
Not available
No numerical 90th-percentile result
Numerical coverage
1 comparable result
Missing values remain blank; absence is not treated as a pass.
Lead (90th percentile)
Measured in mg/L
Local 0
EPA limit 0.015
Share of EPA benchmark
100% line = listed limit
2026Q2
- All records
- 25
- Health-based
- 1
- Active health-based
- 1
| Contaminant or rule | System | Status | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | IL1910400 | Unaddressed | Oct 1, 2025 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | IL1910400 | Resolved | Oct 1, 2025through Oct 31, 2025 |
| Chloramine | IL1910400 | Resolved | Oct 1, 2025through Oct 31, 2025 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | IL1910400 | Resolved | Sep 1, 2025through Sep 30, 2025 |
| Chloramine | IL1910400 | Resolved | Sep 1, 2025through Sep 30, 2025 |
| Public Notice | IL1910400 | Resolved | Aug 22, 2025through Jan 24, 2026 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | IL1910400 | Resolved | Aug 1, 2025through Aug 31, 2025 |
| Chloramine | IL1910400 | Resolved | Aug 1, 2025through Aug 31, 2025 |
| LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS | IL1910400 | Unaddressed | Jul 2, 2025 |
| Consumer Confidence Rule | IL1910400 | Resolved | Jul 1, 2025through Jan 24, 2026 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | IL1910400 | Resolved | Jul 1, 2025through Jul 31, 2025 |
| Chloramine | IL1910400 | Resolved | Jul 1, 2025through Jul 31, 2025 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | IL1910400 | Resolved | Jun 1, 2025through Jun 30, 2025 |
| Chloramine | IL1910400 | Resolved | Jun 1, 2025through Jun 30, 2025 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | IL1910400 | Resolved | May 1, 2025through May 31, 2025 |
| Chloramine | IL1910400 | Resolved | May 1, 2025through May 31, 2025 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | IL1910400 | Resolved | Apr 1, 2025through Apr 30, 2025 |
| Chloramine | IL1910400 | Resolved | Apr 1, 2025through Apr 30, 2025 |
| Chloramine | IL1910400 | Resolved | Mar 1, 2025through Mar 31, 2025 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | IL1910400 | Resolved | Mar 1, 2025through Mar 31, 2025 |
No reported violation does not prove that every contaminant was tested or absent; SDWIS measured values are incomplete and lag state records.
Solutions matcher
Your personalized water action plan
Matched to Sims ZIP 62886 using 167 PPM nearby hardness and 1 reported measurement benchmarks.
Scale protection
High-Capacity Whole House Water Softener
167 PPM is 1× the high-hardness trigger used by this matcher.
Designed to reduce scale on fixtures, water heaters, glassware, and plumbing throughout the home.
Compare whole-house systemsAffiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, at no added cost to you. Product matching is educational and does not replace certified water testing.
Frequently asked
Water questions for Sims
Is tap water safe in Sims?+
EPA ECHO reports 1 active health-based violation among the associated community water systems. Review the affected utility's current notice and Consumer Confidence Report.
How hard is the water?+
Nearby USGS observations produce an estimate of 167 PPM, or 9.8 grains per gallon, classified as hard. This is not a household tap measurement.
Do I need a water softener?+
At 167 PPM, a correctly sized whole-house softener can reduce scale and hard-water spotting. It does not replace contaminant filtration.