Hardness
Very Hard
320 PPM · 18.7 GPG
Local water dashboard
Official source aggregationA source-transparent look at local hardness, associated public water systems, EPA compliance history, and the measurements that are—and are not—available for Polk County.
At a glance
EPA quarter 2026Q2
Hardness
Very Hard
320 PPM · 18.7 GPG
Compliance screen
Review needed
1 active health-based record
Lead 90th percentile
0 mg/L
0% of action level
Utility match
1 system
Serves 2,962 people system-wide
Hardness meter
Estimated local hardness
USGS hardness classification scale
320 PPM
Parts per million
320
mg/L as CaCO₃ equivalent
Grains per gallon
18.7
1 GPG ≈ 17.1 PPM
What this means at home
At 320 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
80
Nearest site
1.7 mi
Observation range
Jul 11, 2016–Aug 30, 2018
Estimate confidence
Moderate
Median of the latest qualifying hardness observation at each nearby monitoring site. Nearest monitoring location: PDCT-U4 033N16W16BA 01 HQ 47 (Well).USGS source documentation ↗
Regional context
These comparisons use other indexed ZIP estimates, not utility tap samples. They help show local context without replacing a household test.
Amery median
320 PPM
About the same1 indexed ZIP readings · Range 320–320 PPM
Wisconsin median
288 PPM
32 PPM higher556 indexed ZIP readings · Range 41.3–467 PPM
EPA benchmark screen
Available numerical results from associated SDWIS community water systems, compared with the applicable action level or federal MCL. Federal measured-value coverage is incomplete.
Lead (PB90)
0 mg/L
Reported Sep 30, 2023
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.
Measured in mg/L
Local 0
EPA limit 0.015
100% line = listed limit
| Contaminant or rule | System | Status | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONSHealth-based | WI6490328 | Unaddressed | Oct 17, 2024 |
| Public Notice | WI6490328 | Unaddressed | Oct 17, 2024 |
| Public Notice | WI6490328 | Unaddressed | Oct 1, 2023 |
| Combined Radium (-226 and -228) | WI6490328 | Resolved | Jan 1, 2023through Dec 31, 2023 |
| Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U | WI6490328 | Resolved | Jan 1, 2023through Dec 31, 2023 |
| Radium-228 | WI6490328 | Resolved | Jan 1, 2023through Dec 31, 2023 |
No reported violation does not prove that every contaminant was tested or absent; SDWIS measured values are incomplete and lag state records.
Solutions matcher
Matched to Amery ZIP 54001 using 320 PPM nearby hardness and 1 reported measurement benchmarks.
Scale protection
320 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
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS has 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
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.
Nearby USGS observations produce an estimate of 320 PPM, or 18.7 grains per gallon, classified as very hard. This is not a household tap measurement.
At 320 PPM, a correctly sized whole-house softener can reduce scale and hard-water spotting. It does not replace contaminant filtration.