Aberdeen Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
11 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
8.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
485 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.50
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 Aberdeen, your appliances are currently losing 25% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Aberdeen | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.4 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -60% |
| Washing Machine | 6.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -45% |
| Water Heater | 8.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -46% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Aberdeen compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Aberdeen, Maryland | 188.5 mg/L | 10.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Havre de Grace, Maryland | 84 mg/L | 4.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Bel Air South, Maryland | 90 mg/L | 4.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Edgewood, Maryland | 161.5 mg/L | 8.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| South Bel Air, Maryland | 178.5 mg/L | 9.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Aberdeen compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Aberdeen | 188.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Aberdeen's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Aberdeen, Maryland, in Harford County — a Harford County city adjacent to Bel Air and Havre de Grace near the Susquehanna River mouth at Chesapeake Bay in northeast Maryland — receives its municipal water from the City of Aberdeen, drawing from the Susquehanna River (Harford County) or Conowingo Reservoir through the northeast Maryland water treatment system.
The hard 188.5 mg/L hardness and elevated TDS of 485 mg/L reflect the northeast Maryland Susquehanna River supply's significant calcareous character. The Susquehanna River at Harford County-Chesapeake Bay head carries drainage from the entire northern Appalachian Plateau — Devonian Hamilton Formation (calcareous shale — major hardness contributor from the vast central Pennsylvania drainage), Ordovician Martinsburg Formation (slightly calcareous black shale), Silurian Helderberg Formation (calcareous), and Devonian Catskill Formation (calcareous). The aggregated Appalachian Plateau calcareous loading through the massive Susquehanna drainage basin produces the hard northeast Maryland supply.
At 188.5 mg/L, Aberdeen's water is hard — scale builds steadily in kettles and appliances, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and water heaters should be descaled annually. Monthly descaling is recommended. The PFAS level of 10.3 ppt warrants a certified reverse osmosis drinking water filter — Aberdeen Proving Ground (Harford County — AFFF, the largest US Army PFAS source on the eastern seaboard, directly adjacent to Aberdeen's water intake) is the dominant PFAS source for this community.
Geology & Source: Aberdeen in Harford County draws from the Aberdeen Water Division on the Susquehanna River (Harford County, northeast Maryland) — the Susquehanna drains the Appalachian Plateau (Devonian Hamilton calcareous, Ordovician Martinsburg Formation) — Maryland Harford County Susquehanna River Appalachian calcareous watershed produces hard water at 188.5 mg/L with TDS 485 mg/L in this Harford County Maryland city.