Canton Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.1 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
184.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.28
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 Canton, your appliances are currently losing 14% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Canton | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.1 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -28% |
| Washing Machine | 9.7 yrs | 12 yrs | -19% |
| Water Heater | 11.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -24% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Canton compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Canton, Maryland | 105 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Baltimore, Maryland | 106.5 mg/L | 5.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Frankford, Maryland | 87.5 mg/L | 4.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Dundalk, Maryland | 146 mg/L | 7.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Rosedale, Maryland | 179.5 mg/L | 9.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Canton compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Canton | 105 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Canton's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Canton, Maryland, in Baltimore City — a Baltimore City neighborhood adjacent to Fells Point and Highlandtown in north Maryland — receives its water from the Baltimore City DPW, drawing from Loch Raven Reservoir (Baltimore City) through the north Maryland distribution.
The moderately hard 105 mg/L hardness and TDS of 184.9 mg/L reflect the Baltimore City Loch Raven watershed supply's moderate calcareous character — the Precambrian Baltimore Gneiss provides insoluble dilution, while the Cambrian Cockeysville Marble adds slight calcareous hardness, consistent with the Baltimore metro communities (compare New Carrollton MD: 123/239 on the WSSC Prince George's draw; Canton moderate from the Baltimore City Piedmont supply). The Loch Raven watershed at Baltimore City — Precambrian Baltimore Gneiss (insoluble — primary dilutant), Cambrian Cockeysville Marble (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Quaternary Piedmont alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 105 mg/L, Canton's water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need periodic cleaning. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.6 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Baltimore City industrial corridor contribute to Canton's readings.
Geology & Source: Canton in Baltimore City draws from the Baltimore City DPW on Loch Raven Reservoir (Baltimore City, north Maryland) — the Gunpowder-Loch Raven watershed drains the Maryland Piedmont (Precambrian Baltimore Gneiss — insoluble) and Cambrian Cockeysville Marble (slightly calcareous) — Maryland Baltimore City Loch Raven Precambrian-Cambrian Piedmont supply produces moderately hard water at 105 mg/L with TDS 184.9 mg/L.