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Water Hardness in 49931

Houghton, Michigan · Houghton County

79 PPM
4.6 GPG
Slightly Hard
0Soft60120180300+
High Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Dataset updated March 9, 2026Matched to 4 water systemsTap readings can vary by utility zone, treatment, and plumbing. Methodology

Source context

How this ZIP reading is built

This ZIP reading is built from 4 matched water systems. When more than one system is matched, the displayed value is weighted toward larger known service populations when that data is available.

Source basis
4 USGS-backed sources
4 matched systems total for this ZIP; 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 Serving 49931

These are the systems matched to this ZIP code. The displayed ZIP value is weighted toward larger known service populations when population data is available.

4 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.
Houghton
MI0003230
Slightly Hard
79 PPMgroundwater8,386 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Portage Township
MI0003330
Slightly Hard
79 PPMgroundwater1,214 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Millpointe Of Hartland
MI0004403
Slightly Hard
79 PPMgroundwater724 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Ford Forestry Center
MI0000090
Slightly Hard
79 PPMgroundwater168 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Nearby Zip Codes

What This Means For You

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

Slightly Hard Water

Your water is slightly hard. You may notice minor spotting on dishes or a slight film on faucets. A water softener is optional but can improve water quality.

Recommended Products

Learn more: Do I Need a Water Softener? | Salt-Based vs Salt-Free | 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 Houghton, MI (49931).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water hard in Houghton, MI (49931)?

The average water hardness in 49931 is 79 PPM (4.6 GPG), which is classified as slightly hard.

Do I need a water softener in 49931?

At 79 PPM, your water is relatively soft. A water softener is generally not necessary.

Is hard water in 49931 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 49931?

Zip code 49931 in Houghton, Michigan is served by 4 water systems.

Learn More About Your Water