South Portland Gardens Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.5 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.009 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
203.8 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.21
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 South Portland Gardens, your appliances are currently losing 10% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In South Portland Gardens | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.1 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -16% |
| Washing Machine | 10.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -10% |
| Water Heater | 12.5 yrs | 15 yrs | -17% |
Regional Water Comparison
How South Portland Gardens compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ South Portland Gardens, Maine | 77 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Portland, Maine | 52.5 mg/L | 4.1 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Westbrook, Maine | 30.5 mg/L | 3 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| South Portland, Maine | 76.5 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| West Scarborough, Maine | 29.5 mg/L | 3 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How South Portland Gardens compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ South Portland Gardens | 77 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes South Portland Gardens's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
South Portland Gardens, Maine, in Cumberland County adjacent to South Portland and across Casco Bay from Portland — part of the greater Portland metropolitan area — receives its municipal water from the Portland Water District, which draws from Sebago Lake — one of the largest and cleanest lakes in New England — located in Cumberland and Oxford counties about 20 miles northwest of Portland. Sebago Lake serves as the primary drinking water source for the Greater Portland area, with the Portland Water District treating and distributing this remarkably pure lake water throughout southern Cumberland County.
The moderately soft 77 mg/L hardness and TDS of 203.8 mg/L reflect Sebago Lake's Maine Highland watershed. Sebago Lake collects water from the Sebago Lake Basin watershed — a landscape dominated by Precambrian crystalline rocks including the Sebago Batholith (a massive granite intrusion) and associated Paleozoic metamorphic gneisses and schists. These ancient granitic and metamorphic terrains have virtually no soluble carbonate minerals, producing naturally soft water throughout the Sebago system. The slightly elevated TDS of 203.8 mg/L compared to pure Sebago Lake water (~60–80 TDS) likely reflects seasonal watershed inputs and distribution system mineral pickup.
At 77 mg/L, South Portland Gardens enjoys soft, pleasant water characteristic of Maine's clean Sebago system. Soap lathers readily, appliances scale slowly over many months, and glassware from the dishwasher needs minimal rinse aid. Semi-annual descaling of kettles and coffee machines is adequate. The PFAS level of 5.2 ppt is moderate — Portland Water District has invested significantly in monitoring and addressing emerging contaminants in the Sebago Lake watershed, and the result is a clean, well-managed supply for Cumberland County communities.
Geology & Source: South Portland Gardens in Cumberland County draws from the Portland Water District system fed by Sebago Lake — Sebago Lake collects water from the Maine Sebago Lake Basin watershed over Precambrian crystalline rocks (granites and gneisses) with negligible carbonate content — crystalline Maine Highland terrain produces soft water at 77 mg/L in this greater Portland metro community.