Water hardness in Wheaton
7.9 gpg hard
Tap water in Wheaton is hard: 7.9 gpg (136 mg/L · 7.6 °dH · 13.6 °fH).
Source: City of Chicago DWM, Comprehensive Chemical Analysis 2025 (Jardine Water Purification Plant outlets) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 126–142 mg/L.
Wheaton's published figure is based on Lake Michigan water treated by Chicago at the Jardine and Sawyer plants, as described in the city's water report. Lake water carries carbonate from limestone and dolomite in its basin, giving 136 mg/L CaCO₃ (126–142 mg/L). Hard water, with scale on kettles and heaters.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.9 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Wheaton Water Division |
How Wheaton compares
- Tap water in Wheaton is 12 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 797 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 42 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Illinois it is number 8 of 14 cities; the regional median is 8 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Bloomfield, 80 km away (1 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Genoa City, 74 km away (22.6 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Wheaton
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H2 |
From each brand's manual for the model family named in the source; your model may differ, so check its manual. All brands and how to change the setting →
FAQ
Is Wheaton water hard or soft?
It is hard: 136 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.9 gpg, 7.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Wheaton safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
How many grains per gallon is Wheaton water?
7.9 gpg, equal to 7.6 °dH, 13.6 °fH or 136 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Wheaton?
For 136 mg/L (7.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Wheaton?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: City of Chicago DWM, Comprehensive Chemical Analysis 2025 (Jardine Water Purification Plant outlets) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Chicago DWM, Comprehensive Chemical Analysis 2025 (Jardine Water Purification Plant outlets) · Outdated figure? Tell us