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Water Hardness in 61281

Sherrard, Illinois · Mercer County

216 PPM
12.6 GPG
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 61281

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.
Sherrard
IL1310400
Hard
216 PPMgroundwater785 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Fyre Lake Water Company
IL1315050
Hard
216 PPMgroundwater760 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Swedona Water Association
IL1315200
Hard
216 PPMgroundwater109 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Unity Water Corporation
IL1315300
Hard
216 PPMgroundwater93 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.

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 Sherrard, IL (61281).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water hard in Sherrard, IL (61281)?

The average water hardness in 61281 is 216 PPM (12.6 GPG), which is classified as hard.

Do I need a water softener in 61281?

With hardness of 216 PPM, a water softener is recommended for homes in 61281.

Is hard water in 61281 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 61281?

Zip code 61281 in Sherrard, Illinois is served by 4 water systems.

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