West Scarborough Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
1.7 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
55 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.08
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 West Scarborough, your appliances are currently losing 4% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In West Scarborough | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 8.6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | — |
| Washing Machine | 12.5 yrs | 12 yrs | — |
| Water Heater | 14.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -4% |
Regional Water Comparison
How West Scarborough compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ West Scarborough, Maine | 29.5 mg/L | 3 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Saco, Maine | 20.5 mg/L | 2.5 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| South Portland Gardens, Maine | 77 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Biddeford, Maine | 64 mg/L | 4.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Westbrook, Maine | 30.5 mg/L | 3 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How West Scarborough compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ West Scarborough | 29.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes West Scarborough's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
West Scarborough (Scarborough), Maine, in Cumberland County — a major south Maine Portland suburban community (Scarborough is a significant Cumberland County town — a south Portland, Maine suburb adjacent to South Portland and Cape Elizabeth; Scarborough is one of the most rapidly growing communities in southern Maine and the Greater Portland metro area; Scarborough is known for the Scarborough Downs (one of the most historically significant harness racing tracks in New England — Scarborough Downs operated as a major harness racing venue from 1950 to 2020 when it closed; the Scarborough Downs site is being redeveloped as a major mixed-use development)), home of Pine Point Beach and Higgins Beach (two of the most popular ocean beaches in the Portland metro area — Scarborough's ocean beach access is one of its most significant residential amenities), a diverse Cumberland County community with a primarily working-class to middle-class Maine suburban family population, adjacent to South Portland in the Cumberland County coastal corridor, and a growing south Maine suburban community — draws its municipal water supply via the Scarborough Water District. Water hardness in West Scarborough measures 29.5 mg/L — classified as very soft.
West Scarborough's very soft supply reflects the south Maine Cumberland County glacial outwash aquifer's calcareous-poor character. The Scarborough glacial aquifer draws from Quaternary calcareous-poor glacial outwash (calcareous-poor). Scarborough Water District produces the very soft 29.5 mg/L.
With hardness at 29.5 mg/L, West Scarborough residents enjoy very soft water. Scarborough Water District consistently delivers water meeting all Maine DEP and EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Geology & Source: Groundwater from the Scarborough glacial aquifer via the Scarborough Water District — the Cumberland County south Maine West Scarborough corridor (Quaternary calcareous-poor glacial outwash — the extremely calcareous-poor south Maine Cumberland County glacial outwash aquifer; effective treatment); very soft supply at 29.5 mg/L in Cumberland County.