Hardness
Very Hard
331 PPM · 19.4 GPG
Local water dashboard
Official source aggregationWater quality in Universal, IN 47884
A source-transparent look at local hardness, associated public water systems, EPA compliance history, and the measurements that are—and are not—available for Vermillion County.
3 active health-based violations
- Primary matched system
- Universal Water Works
- Source water
- Groundwater
- County
- Vermillion County
- Profile updated
At a glance
What the current records say
EPA quarter 2026Q2
Compliance screen
Review needed
3 active health-based records
Lead 90th percentile
0.0014 mg/L
9% of action level
Utility match
1 system
Serves 473 people system-wide
Hardness meter
How hard is the water?
Estimated local hardness
USGS hardness classification scale
331 PPM
Soft
0–59Moderate
60–120Hard
121–180Very hard
181+
0–59Moderate
60–120Hard
121–180Very hard
181+
Parts per million
331
mg/L as CaCO₃ equivalent
Grains per gallon
19.4
1 GPG ≈ 17.1 PPM
What this means at home
At 331 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
27
Nearest site
29.2 mi
Observation range
Mar 30, 2016–Sep 2, 2025
Estimate confidence
Low
Median of the latest qualifying hardness observation at each nearby monitoring site. Nearest monitoring location: NAWQA AG WELL TP15 AT MORTON, IN (Well).USGS source documentation ↗
Regional context
Is 47884 typical?
These comparisons use other indexed ZIP estimates, not utility tap samples. They help show local context without replacing a household test.
Universal median
331 PPM
About the same1 indexed ZIP readings · Range 331–331 PPM
Indiana median
313 PPM
18 PPM higher472 indexed ZIP readings · Range 132–371 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)
0.0014 mg/L
Reported Dec 31, 2025
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 0.0014
EPA limit 0.015
Share of EPA benchmark
100% line = listed limit
2026Q2
- All records
- 15
- Health-based
- 5
- Active health-based
- 3
| Contaminant or rule | System | Status | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | IN5283011 | Resolved | Jan 1, 2026through Jan 21, 2026 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | IN5283011 | Resolved | Dec 14, 2025through Mar 25, 2026 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | IN5283011 | Unaddressed | Dec 14, 2025 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | IN5283011 | Resolved | Dec 14, 2025through Mar 25, 2026 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | IN5283011 | Unaddressed | Dec 14, 2025 |
| Public Notice | IN5283011 | Unaddressed | Dec 2, 2025 |
| Consumer Confidence Rule | IN5283011 | Unaddressed | Oct 1, 2025 |
| Consumer Confidence Rule | IN5283011 | Unaddressed | Jul 1, 2025 |
| Public Notice | IN5283011 | Unaddressed | Jan 1, 2025 |
| LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONSHealth-based | IN5283011 | Unaddressed | Oct 17, 2024 |
| LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS | IN5283011 | Unaddressed | Oct 17, 2024 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | IN5283011 | Unaddressed | Jan 1, 2024 |
| Consumer Confidence Rule | IN5283011 | Unaddressed | Jan 1, 2023 |
| Consumer Confidence Rule | IN5283011 | Resolved | Oct 1, 2022through Oct 30, 2023 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | IN5283011 | Resolved | Oct 1, 2021through Dec 28, 2022 |
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 Universal ZIP 47884 using 331 PPM nearby hardness and 1 reported measurement benchmarks.
Scale protection
High-Capacity Whole House Water Softener
331 PPM is 3× 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 systemsDrinking water protection
Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis System
Groundwater Rule, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS have a measured benchmark flag or active health-based SDWIS record in this profile.
A certified multi-stage RO system targets a broader range of dissolved contaminants at the kitchen tap.
Explore under-sink filtrationAffiliate 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 Universal
Is tap water safe in Universal?+
EPA ECHO reports 3 active health-based violations 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 331 PPM, or 19.4 grains per gallon, classified as very hard. This is not a household tap measurement.
Do I need a water softener?+
At 331 PPM, a correctly sized whole-house softener can reduce scale and hard-water spotting. It does not replace contaminant filtration.