Where does the water in 49945 come from?

Water for zip code 49945 in Gay, Michigan is provided by 2 water systems. Contact your local utility for specific source information, or check our detailed page for your area.

Water Hardness in 49945

Gay, Michigan · Houghton County

49 PPM

2.9 GPG

Soft

0Soft60120180300+

High Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Dataset updated March 9, 2026Matched to 2 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 2 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

2 USGS-backed sources

2 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 49945

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.

2 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.

Water System	Source	Hardness	Pop. Served	Data Source
Lake Linden MI0003720	groundwater	49 PPM Soft	1,203	High Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Sherman Township MI0002590	groundwater	49 PPM Soft	40	High Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Lake Linden

MI0003720

Soft

49 PPMgroundwater1,203 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Sherman Township

MI0002590

Soft

49 PPMgroundwater40 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Nearby Zip Codes

4993436 4992242 4991359 4994236 4991749 4990159 4993059 4992136 4980536 4993179 4991642 499639

What This Means For You

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

Your Water Is Soft

Your water hardness is in the soft range. You likely don't need a water softener. Enjoy your naturally soft 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 Gay, MI (49945).

Submit Your Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water hard in Gay, MI (49945)?

The average water hardness in 49945 is 49 PPM (2.9 GPG), which is classified as soft.

Do I need a water softener in 49945?

At 49 PPM, your water is relatively soft. A water softener is generally not necessary.

Is hard water in 49945 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 49945?

Zip code 49945 in Gay, Michigan is served by 2 water systems.

Learn More About Your Water

Water Hardness Scale: PPM and GPG Chart

Use the USGS water hardness scale to compare PPM, GPG, and mg/L levels from soft to very hard water.

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How to Test Water Hardness at Home

Compare free lookups, soap tests, test strips, liquid drop kits, and lab tests for measuring water hardness.

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