Smyrna Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
7.4 grains per gallon
Source
groundwater
pH Level
7.9
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
361.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.34
energy & soap waste
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Smyrna, your appliances are currently losing 17% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Smyrna | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.4 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -36% |
| Washing Machine | 8.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -26% |
| Water Heater | 10.5 yrs | 15 yrs | -30% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Smyrna compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Smyrna, Delaware | 126.5 mg/L | 7.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Dover, Delaware | 132 mg/L | 7.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Middletown, Delaware | 69.5 mg/L | 4.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | groundwater |
| Bear, Delaware | 85 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | groundwater |
| Glasgow, Delaware | 151.5 mg/L | 8.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How Smyrna compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Smyrna | 126.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Smyrna's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Smyrna, Delaware, in Kent County — a Kent County town adjacent to Cheswold and Clayton in central Delaware — receives its water from the Town of Smyrna Water Department, drawing from the Cheswold Aquifer through the central Delaware distribution.
The moderately hard 126.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 361.9 mg/L reflect the Kent County Cheswold Aquifer supply's moderate calcareous character — the Cretaceous Cheswold Formation is a calcareous greensand and glauconite aquifer, while the Cretaceous Piney Point Formation contributes additional calcareous mineral content from its marine carbonate-bearing sediments (compare Cheswold DE: 124/356 in Kent County comparable; Clayton DE: 128/367 in Kent County comparable; Smyrna consistent moderate from the same Kent County Cheswold Aquifer Cretaceous calcareous supply). The Cheswold Aquifer — Cretaceous Cheswold Formation (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Cretaceous Piney Point Formation (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Delaware Coastal Plain alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 126.5 mg/L with TDS 362, Smyrna's water is moderately hard — scale builds in appliances. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 7.5 ppt is elevated — a certified drinking water filter with PFAS removal is recommended — the Kent County central Delaware industrial and agricultural sources contribute to Smyrna's elevated readings. Review the Town of Smyrna's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Smyrna in Kent County draws from the Town of Smyrna Water on the Cheswold Aquifer (Kent County, central Delaware) — the Delaware Coastal Plain draws from Cretaceous Cheswold Formation (slightly calcareous) and Cretaceous Piney Point Formation (calcareous) — Delaware Kent County Cheswold Aquifer Cretaceous calcareous supply produces moderately hard water at 126.5 mg/L with TDS 361.9 mg/L.