Madison, WI water hardness

Madison's tap water measures 308 to 370 ppm, which is very hard. The number comes from Madison Water Utility's 2025 published data, measured at the tap.

Score

339 ppm

Very hard

Madison shower water

Hardness bands per the U.S. Geological Survey. Range: 308 to 370 ppm across service areas.

339

Soft
0–60

Moderately hard
61–120

Hard
121–180

Very hard
181+

Source: Madison Water Utility, 2025.

Elsewhere in Wisconsin, Milwaukee tests at 136 ppm.

What this means

What Madison Water Means for Hair and Skin

Above 180 ppm, minerals leave visible scale on fixtures, soap struggles to lather, and hair and skin carry a film that rinsing doesn't remove. This is the range where people notice hard water without being told.

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