Water hardness in Massachusetts, defined by the concentration of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, varies widely across the state. Massachusetts’ diverse geological formations, including its granite and sedimentary rock compositions, significantly influence the mineral content in the water supply.
In Massachusetts, water hardness can range from soft to very hard. The eastern part of the state, particularly around coastal areas, tends to have softer water due to the influence of rainfall and the composition of local bedrock. In contrast, central and western regions, where there are more sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, often experience harder water.
This variation in water hardness affects the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, the maintenance of plumbing systems, and the longevity of water-using appliances. Given the diverse water hardness levels in Massachusetts, monitoring water quality and using appropriate treatment solutions is crucial for ensuring that water meets household and industrial needs.
In the provided data, the water hardness levels show substantial variations across different cities in Massachusetts. Among the cities for which data is reported, the highest water hardness levels are recorded in Newburyport and West Springfield Town, with hardness levels of 104 ppm (approximately 6.1 gpg) and 100 ppm (approximately 5.8 gpg), respectively.
| City | Hardness ppm (mg/L) | Hardness gpg | Information Source | Notes |
| Boston | n/a | Link | ||
| Worcester | n/a | Link | ||
| Springfield | n/a | Link | ||
| Cambridge | n/a | Link | ||
| Lowell | n/a | Link | ||
| Brockton | n/a | Link | ||
| Quincy | n/a | Link | ||
| Lynn | n/a | Link | ||
| New Bedford | n/a | Link | ||
| Fall River | n/a | Link | ||
| Newton | n/a | Link | ||
| Lawrence | n/a | Link | ||
| Somerville | n/a | Link | ||
| Framingham | n/a | Link | ||
| Haverhill | n/a | Link | ||
| Malden | n/a | Link | ||
| Waltham | n/a | Link | ||
| Taunton | 11.9 | Link | ||
| Weymouth Town | n/a | Link | ||
| Medford | n/a | Link | ||
| Revere | n/a | Link | ||
| Chicopee | n/a | Link | ||
| Peabody | n/a | Link | ||
| Methuen | 24.0 | Link | ||
| Everett | n/a | Link | ||
| Barnstable Town | n/a | Link | ||
| Attleboro | n/a | Link | ||
| Salem | n/a | Link | ||
| Leominster | n/a | Link | ||
| Pittsfield | n/a | Link | ||
| Beverly | n/a | Link | ||
| Woburn | n/a | Link | ||
| Fitchburg | n/a | Link | ||
| Marlborough | n/a | Link | ||
| Westfield | n/a | Link | ||
| Amherst Town | n/a | Link | ||
| Braintree Town | n/a | Link | ||
| Chelsea | n/a | Link | ||
| Holyoke | n/a | Link | ||
| Watertown Town | n/a | Link | ||
| Randolph Town | 53.9 | Link | ||
| Franklin Town | 55.4 | Link | ||
| North Attleborough Town | n/a | Link | ||
| Gloucester | n/a | Link | ||
| Northampton | n/a | Link | ||
| Melrose | n/a | Link | ||
| Bridgewater Town | 80.5 | Link | ||
| West Springfield Town | 100.0 | Link | ||
| Agawam Town | n/a | Link | ||
| Gardner | n/a | Link | ||
| Newburyport | 104.0 | Link | ||
| Winthrop Town | n/a | Link | ||
| Southbridge Town | n/a | Link | ||
| Greenfield | n/a | Link | ||
| Amesbury Town | n/a | Link | ||
| Easthampton Town | n/a | Link | ||
| North Adams | n/a | Link | ||
| Palmer Town | 80.0 | Link |
ppm = Parts Per Million
mg/L = Milligrams Per Liter
gpg = Grains Per Gallon
Hard water can cause issues such as mineral buildup in plumbing and appliances, reduce the efficacy of soaps and detergents, and affect the taste of the water. A tried and true solution is the use of a water softener. A water softener, like the ones from DROP, could be a worthwhile investment.
These devices work by replacing the calcium and magnesium ions that cause hardness with sodium ions, resulting in softer water. With innovative features, easy installation, and efficient operation, DROP smart water softeners provide a solution to hard water issues, extending the lifespan of appliances, improving water taste, enhancing soap effectiveness, reducing scale build-up, and increasing the overall water efficiency in your home.
