My home is on city water, so I don’t need a water softener.  I won’t get any buildup on my water fixtures.  The answer is an emphatic no.  Don’t be alarmed; city water is safe to use and drink.  We are only discussing the effects of hard water within your home on city water.  In fact, city water does have hardness and, potentially iron.  There is a misconception of being on city water; your water is not hard.

The level of hardness and iron in city water will vary since some local water is treated to a minimum hardness level.  Certain towns will soften the water before it enters your home, but will still likely have elevated levels of hardness.  For example, in McHenry and Lake Counties in Illinois, we have found city water to be 20-30 grains of hardness and homes using Lake Michigan water to be 7-10 grains of hardness.  According to the Water Quality Association, hard water is considered 7 grains of hardness, and higher with soft water is regarded as 0-1 grains of hardness.

Some city water is treated at a plant and can be softened down to 7-10 grains of hardness, but still hard water.  Even after softening the water, the water will travel through the distribution system, potentially altering the water chemistry.  The effects of hard water are numerous.  Keep in mind that your water is still hard when you live with city water.  When you feel the time is right to soften your water, contact us or call 815-385-3093.  We’re happy to help.