Frankford Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.1 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
139.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.23
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 Frankford, your appliances are currently losing 12% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Frankford | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -21% |
| Washing Machine | 10.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -13% |
| Water Heater | 12.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -19% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Frankford compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Frankford, Maryland | 87.5 mg/L | 4.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Rosedale, Maryland | 179.5 mg/L | 9.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Parkville, Maryland | 186.5 mg/L | 10.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Canton, Maryland | 105 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Rossville, Maryland | 181.5 mg/L | 9.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Frankford compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Frankford | 87.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Frankford's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Frankford, Maryland — a northeast Baltimore City neighborhood adjacent to Hamilton and Overlea in the northeast Baltimore corridor — receives its municipal water from the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW), drawing from the Gunpowder River via Loch Raven Reservoir and Prettyboy Reservoir (Baltimore County) through the Baltimore City water treatment system.
The moderately soft 87.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 139.1 mg/L reflect the Baltimore City supply's Maryland Piedmont crystalline character. The Gunpowder River at Loch Raven Reservoir drains the Maryland Piedmont — Precambrian Baltimore Gneiss (insoluble crystalline), the Cambrian Wissahickon Schist (insoluble metamorphic), and the Ordovician Port Deposit Granite (insoluble). The predominantly insoluble Precambrian Piedmont basement produces the soft Baltimore City supply.
At 87.5 mg/L, Frankford's water is moderately soft — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and bathroom fixtures need occasional cleaning. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.6 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Baltimore City northeast industrial corridor, the Aberdeen Proving Ground (Harford County — AFFF, in the upper Gunpowder-Bush River watershed), and the Baltimore metro PFAS background contribute to Frankford's readings.
Geology & Source: Frankford in the City of Baltimore draws from Baltimore City DPW on the Gunpowder River via Loch Raven Reservoir (Baltimore County) — the Gunpowder drains the Maryland Piedmont (Precambrian Baltimore Gneiss — insoluble crystalline) — Maryland Baltimore City Gunpowder River Piedmont watershed produces moderately soft water at 87.5 mg/L with TDS 139.1 mg/L in this Baltimore City community.