Chicago, IL water hardness

Chicago's tap water measures 139 ppm, which is hard. The number comes from City of Chicago Department of Water Management's 2024 published data, measured at the tap.

Score

139 ppm

Hard

Chicago shower water

Hardness bands per the U.S. Geological Survey.

139

Soft
0–60

Moderately hard
61–120

Hard
121–180

Very hard
181+

Source: City of Chicago Department of Water Management, 2024.

For comparison, Beavercreek, OH sits in the same range at 137 ppm.

What this means

What Chicago Water Means for Hair and Skin

Between 121 and 180 ppm, buildup shows up over weeks rather than days: spotted glass, crusted showerheads, and shampoo that never quite rinses clean.

What removes it

This page is supported by AG Softener. Here is why it is relevant to your water.

AG Softener is a portable shower water softener built for renters.

Real ion-exchange softening (the whole-house technology, sized for a shower) installs in about ten minutes without a plumber, and comes down just as fast when you move.

Water tests soft on a standard hardness strip

$249, free shipping

Better hair and skin in 60 days or your money back

SEE HOW AG SOFTENER WORKS

Check your zip

Check Your Own Zip Code

Check the number for your exact address with the free zip lookup, or read the utility's own report linked above.

See all cities