Cambridge Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.8 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
166.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.26
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 Cambridge, your appliances are currently losing 13% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Cambridge | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -26% |
| Washing Machine | 10 yrs | 12 yrs | -17% |
| Water Heater | 11.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -22% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Cambridge compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Cambridge, Maryland | 98.5 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Easton, Maryland | 155.5 mg/L | 8.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Salisbury, Maryland | 121.5 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Annapolis, Maryland | 81.5 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Parole, Maryland | 187.5 mg/L | 10.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Cambridge compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Cambridge | 98.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Cambridge's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Cambridge, Maryland, in Dorchester County — the Dorchester County seat adjacent to Easton and Salisbury on the Choptank River on the Eastern Shore of Maryland — receives its water from the City of Cambridge Water, drawing from the Choptank River or Upper Choptank reservoir (Dorchester County) through the Eastern Shore Maryland distribution.
The moderately soft 98.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 166.5 mg/L reflect the Eastern Shore Maryland Dorchester County Choptank supply's moderately soft character — softer than the Western Shore Maryland communities (Kemp Mill MD: 183/463; Kettering MD: 190/493) because the Eastern Shore Miocene Chesapeake Group and Pleistocene Columbia Formation contribute less calcareous contact on the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The Choptank River at Dorchester County — Miocene Chesapeake Group (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Pleistocene Columbia Formation (insoluble — dilutant), and Holocene Chesapeake Bay tidal alluvium (chloride — minor TDS).
At 98.5 mg/L with TDS 167, Cambridge's water is moderately soft. Appliances last well with standard maintenance. Annual descaling is sufficient. The PFAS level of 5.2 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Dorchester County Eastern Shore Maryland agricultural and industrial corridor contribute to Cambridge's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Cambridge in Dorchester County draws from the City of Cambridge Water on the Choptank River (Dorchester County, Eastern Shore Maryland) — the Choptank River at Dorchester County drains the Maryland Eastern Shore (Miocene Chesapeake Group — slightly calcareous) and Pleistocene Columbia Formation (insoluble) — Maryland Dorchester County Choptank River Miocene coastal plain supply produces moderately soft water at 98.5 mg/L with TDS 166.5 mg/L.