Dearborn's water has hard water (126 PPM). Read below for a full breakdown.
GLWA · Source: Detroit Water & Sewerage (Lake Huron) · Serves 109,976 residents
126
Hardness (PPM)
245
TDS (PPM)
0.7
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
7
Lead (ppb)
Hardness Scale: Where Dearborn Falls
Soft 060120180250400+
Hard waterElevated lead
Dearborn receives Great Lakes Water Authority water from Lake Huron. The supply is moderately hard but consistent.
What Dearborn's Water Means for Your Home
Dearborn's water is hard at 126 PPM. This level of hardness causes gradual scale accumulation on plumbing fixtures, inside water heaters, and on dishware. While not as aggressive as cities in the 200+ PPM range, homeowners who install a water softener or salt-free conditioner typically notice improved soap lathering, cleaner dishes, and longer appliance lifespans.
Lead is the primary water quality concern for Dearborn homes, especially those built before 1986 when lead solder was still legal in plumbing. At 7 ppb, Dearborn's average lead level is above the health guideline of zero. Lead enters water from service lines and interior plumbing, not from the water source itself. Running cold water for 30 seconds before use reduces exposure, and a certified lead-reduction filter at the kitchen faucet provides ongoing protection.
Contaminant
Detected
Health Guideline
Legal Limit
Status
Hardness (as CaCO₃)
126 PPM
< 60 PPM
No federal limit
⚠ Hard
Total Dissolved Solids
245 PPM
< 300 PPM
500 PPM
✓ OK
PFAS (total)
4 ppt
4 ppt (EPA)
4 ppt (2024)
✓ OK
Lead
7 ppb
0 ppb (no safe level)
15 ppb (action level)
⚠ Elevated
Chlorine / Chloramine
0.7 mg/L
Taste threshold ~1.0
4.0 mg/L
✓ Normal
Nitrate
2 mg/L
5 mg/L
10 mg/L
✓ OK
Recommendations for Dearborn Homes
💧Water Softener or Conditioner
At 126 PPM, Dearborn's water is hard. You will see gradual scale buildup on fixtures and inside water heaters. A salt-based softener removes hardness completely, while a salt-free conditioner prevents scale without removing the minerals. Your choice depends on whether you want soft-feeling water or just scale prevention.
Lead detected at 7 ppb. There is no safe level of lead in drinking water, and children are especially vulnerable. Lead typically enters water from old plumbing, not the source water. A point-of-use filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead is the most practical solution. If your home was built before 1986, testing is strongly recommended.
Water Source: Detroit Water & Sewerage (Lake Huron)
Population Served: 109,976
Hardness: 126 PPM (7.4 grains per gallon)
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by GLWA. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.
Dearborn's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Lead levels are elevated. This is especially concerning in older buildings with lead service lines or lead solder. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Dearborn?
It is worth considering. At 126 PPM, Dearborn's water is hard. You will notice gradual scale buildup in pipes and on fixtures over time. A salt-based softener extends appliance life and improves soap efficiency. A salt-free conditioner is a lower-maintenance alternative if you primarily want to prevent scale.
What water filter is best for Dearborn?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For lead, look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification specifically for lead reduction. Point-of-use filters at the kitchen faucet are the most practical approach. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Dearborn's water come from?
Dearborn's drinking water is sourced from Detroit Water & Sewerage (Lake Huron) and treated by GLWA. Dearborn receives Great Lakes Water Authority water from Lake Huron. The supply is moderately hard but consistent.
What is the hardness of Dearborn water in grains per gallon?
Dearborn's water hardness is 7.4 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 126 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Dearborn water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At 7.4 GPG, Dearborn's water exceeds this threshold. Scale buildup inside the heat exchanger reduces efficiency and can void the manufacturer's warranty. A water softener installed upstream of the tankless heater is the standard solution.
Is Dearborn water safe for babies and infants?
Lead is the primary concern for infants and young children. Dearborn's lead level of 7 ppb is elevated. Run the cold water tap for 30 seconds before using it for formula or cooking, and consider a certified lead-reduction filter for the kitchen faucet.
How much does hard water cost a Dearborn household per year?
At 126 PPM, hard water costs the average Dearborn household an estimated $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden costs. This includes 15 to 25 percent higher water heating bills from scale insulation, 50 to 75 percent more soap and detergent usage, shorter appliance lifespans (water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines), and increased plumbing maintenance. A water softener typically costs $600 to $1,500 installed and $50 to $100 per year in salt, which means most Dearborn households see a return on investment within 1 to 2 years.
Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the GLWA Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.