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Water Hardness in Fort Dodge, IA

Iowa · 1 zip codes · 19 matched water systems

448 PPM
26.2 GPG
Very Hard
0Soft60120180300+
High Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Dataset updated March 9, 202619 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 19 matched water systems and 1 ZIP code. Citywide readings are useful for comparison, but individual utility zones and ZIPs can differ.

Source basis
19 USGS-backed sources
19 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 Fort Dodge

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

19 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.
Fort Dodge Water Supply
IA9433050
Very Hard
448 PPMgroundwater25,874 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Otho Water Supply
IA9464008
Very Hard
448 PPMgroundwater431 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Lehigh Water Supply
IA9453071
Very Hard
448 PPMgroundwater395 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Callender Water Supply
IA9417063
Very Hard
448 PPMgroundwater371 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Harcourt Water Supply
IA9442027
Very Hard
448 PPMgroundwater265 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Showing the first 5 systems. Expand to review all matched systems.

Zip Codes in Fort Dodge, IA

What This Means For You

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

Very Hard Water - Treatment Strongly Recommended

Your water is very hard. Without treatment, you can expect significant scale buildup in pipes and appliances, higher energy bills from reduced water heater efficiency, and persistent issues with skin and hair dryness.

Recommended Products

Learn more: Do I Need a Water Softener? | Salt-Based vs Salt-Free | Size Calculator | How to Test Your Water

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 Fort Dodge, IA.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the water in Fort Dodge, IA?

The citywide weighted average water hardness in Fort Dodge, IA is 448 PPM (26.2 GPG), classified as very hard. This is based on 19 matched water systems.

Do I need a water softener in Fort Dodge, IA?

With a citywide average hardness of 448 PPM, a water softener is recommended for homes in Fort Dodge. Confirm your tap reading before sizing equipment.

Is hard water in Fort Dodge, IA 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 Fort Dodge, IA?

Fort Dodge, Iowa is served by 19 matched water systems across 1 zip code.

Learn More About Your Water