WH

Water Hardness in Ottawa, IL

Illinois · 1 zip codes · 7 matched water systems

147 PPM
8.6 GPG
Moderately Hard
0Soft60120180300+
High Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Dataset updated March 9, 20267 matched water systems in the city rollupIndividual systems and ZIPs can differ. Methodology

Source context

How this city reading is built

This city reading is a weighted rollup across 7 matched water systems and 1 ZIP code. Citywide readings are useful for comparison, but individual utility zones and ZIPs can differ.

Source basis
7 USGS-backed sources
7 matched systems total for this city; USGS monitoring is used where treated-water reports are unavailable.
Water source profile
Primarily groundwater
Groundwater commonly picks up calcium and magnesium after contact with rock and soil. This profile is weighted by known population served across matched systems.
Data recency
March 9, 2026
Dataset rebuilt March 9, 2026; individual utility reporting years can vary.

Hardness is a mineral-content reading, not a drinking-water safety rating. Use it for scale, appliance, and softener decisions; check your utility report or test your tap before sizing treatment equipment. See how we calculate local readings.

Water Systems in Ottawa

These systems are matched to Ottawa, IL. Citywide readings are useful for comparison, but the system serving a specific address may differ from the city average.

7 water systems
PWSID is the public water system identifier. Data Source shows whether the hardness value comes from a treated-water report, USGS monitoring, or a local estimate; source year is shown when available.
Ottawa
IL0990800
Moderately Hard
147 PPMgroundwater18,097 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Naplate
IL0990600
Moderately Hard
147 PPMgroundwater465 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Fields Hill Improvement Association
IL0995150
Moderately Hard
147 PPMgroundwater312 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Retz Addn Improvement Association
IL0995400
Moderately Hard
147 PPMgroundwater168 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
La Salle County Nursing Home
IL0995329
Moderately Hard
147 PPMgroundwater100 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Showing the first 5 systems. Expand to review all matched systems.

Zip Codes in Ottawa, IL

What This Means For You

Recommendations are based on the displayed hardness reading. Confirm your tap reading before sizing or buying treatment equipment.

Know your water hardness?

If you've tested your water or have your utility's CCR report, share your reading to help us improve accuracy for Ottawa, IL.

Submit Your Data

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the water in Ottawa, IL?

The citywide weighted average water hardness in Ottawa, IL is 147 PPM (8.6 GPG), classified as moderately hard. This is based on 7 matched water systems.

Do I need a water softener in Ottawa, IL?

With a citywide average hardness of 147 PPM, a water softener is worth considering for homes in Ottawa. Confirm your tap reading before sizing equipment.

Is hard water in Ottawa, IL safe to drink?

Water hardness itself is a mineral-content reading, not a drinking-water safety rating. Calcium and magnesium are naturally occurring minerals, but you should check your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for contaminant and compliance information.

How many water systems serve Ottawa, IL?

Ottawa, Illinois is served by 7 matched water systems across 1 zip code.

Learn More About Your Water