Saginaw's water has very hard water (180 PPM). A water softener is recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. Read below for a full breakdown.
City of Saginaw · Source: Lake Huron via GLWA pipeline · Serves 44,202 residents
180
Hardness (PPM)
212
TDS (PPM)
0.7
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
6
Lead (ppb)
Hardness Scale: Where Saginaw Falls
Soft 060120180250400+
Very hard waterElevated lead
Saginaw receives treated Lake Huron water through a long-distance pipeline. Lead service line replacement is ongoing.
What Saginaw's Water Means for Your Home
Saginaw residents deal with some of the hardest municipal water in the country. At 180 PPM (10.5 grains per gallon), the water contains high concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium picked up from the regional geology as surface water is treated and distributed. This is not a safety issue. The minerals are safe to consume. But they create real, measurable costs for homeowners. Hard water at 180 PPM costs the average household $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden expenses, including higher energy bills from scale-insulated water heaters, increased soap and detergent usage, and premature appliance failure. Many Saginaw homeowners discover this only after a water heater replacement or plumber visit.
Lead is the primary water quality concern for Saginaw homes, especially those built before 1986 when lead solder was still legal in plumbing. At 6 ppb, Saginaw'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)
180 PPM
< 60 PPM
No federal limit
⚠ Hard
Total Dissolved Solids
212 PPM
< 300 PPM
500 PPM
✓ OK
PFAS (total)
4 ppt
4 ppt (EPA)
4 ppt (2024)
✓ OK
Lead
6 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 Saginaw Homes
🧂Water Softener
At 180 PPM (10.5 GPG), Saginaw's water is very hard. Scale will accumulate in pipes, water heaters, and on fixtures. A salt-based ion exchange softener removes the calcium and magnesium causing the problem. For a typical Saginaw household of 2 to 4 people, a 48,000-grain softener is the right starting size.
Lead detected at 6 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 quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by City of Saginaw. 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.
Saginaw'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 Saginaw?
Yes. At 180 PPM (10.5 GPG), Saginaw's water is very hard. Without a softener, expect visible scale buildup on faucets and shower heads, reduced water heater efficiency (15 to 25 percent higher energy costs), spotted dishes and glassware, and soap that does not lather well. A salt-based water softener is the standard solution. For a typical Saginaw home with 2 to 4 residents, a 48,000-grain system is the most common starting size.
What water filter is best for Saginaw?
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 Saginaw's water come from?
Saginaw's drinking water is sourced from Lake Huron via GLWA pipeline and treated by City of Saginaw. Saginaw receives treated Lake Huron water through a long-distance pipeline. Lead service line replacement is ongoing.
What is the hardness of Saginaw water in grains per gallon?
Saginaw's water hardness is 10.5 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 180 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as very hard. Most water softener manufacturers recommend treatment above 7 GPG. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Saginaw water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At 10.5 GPG, Saginaw'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 Saginaw water safe for babies and infants?
Lead is the primary concern for infants and young children. Saginaw's lead level of 6 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 Saginaw household per year?
At 180 PPM, hard water costs the average Saginaw 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 Saginaw 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 City of Saginaw Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.