Oxon Hill-Glassmanor Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
~120–179 mg/L
Hardestimated · not lab-verified
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
199.4 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.40
energy & soap waste
Source: See methodology section below · 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 Oxon Hill-Glassmanor, your appliances are currently losing 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Oxon Hill-Glassmanor | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -20% |
| Washing Machine | 9.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -20% |
| Water Heater | 12 yrs | 15 yrs | -20% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Oxon Hill-Glassmanor compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Oxon Hill-Glassmanor, Maryland | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 5.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Oxon Hill, Maryland | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 9.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Glassmanor, Maryland | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 7.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Hillcrest Heights, Maryland | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Hillcrest, District of Columbia | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 5.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Oxon Hill-Glassmanor compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Oxon Hill-Glassmanor | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 151 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Scarsdale Top Rated | 0.02 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Oxon Hill-Glassmanor's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Oxon Hill-Glassmanor, Maryland is served by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), which provides water to Prince George's County. The utility draws from the Potomac River and associated reservoirs, including the Patuxent River system. Water is treated at multiple facilities before distribution to the service area. WSSC treats all water to meet Safe Drinking Water Act standards and publishes annual Consumer Confidence Reports detailing pH, disinfection residuals, and compliance with lead and copper action levels.
The Oxon Hill-Glassmanor area sits within the Potomac River watershed, part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain physiographic province. The underlying geology comprises Cretaceous and Tertiary sedimentary deposits overlying older Paleozoic formations. These sedimentary layers contain dissolved minerals—primarily calcium and magnesium carbonates—that contribute to the moderately hard character of the local water supply. The Coastal Plain's geological composition naturally produces water with moderate mineral content as it percolates through these formations.
At the moderately hard level, residents can expect some scale buildup in water heaters, kettles, and dishwashers over time, though the impact is less severe than in harder water areas. Washing machines and coffee makers may also show reduced efficiency. A water softener is recommended, particularly for households with high water usage or sensitive appliances. Regular descaling of fixtures and appliances will extend their lifespan. Residents should consult the most recent WSSC water quality report for specific contaminant data, treatment methods, and any advisories.
Geology & Source: Potomac River watershed; Coastal Plain province — Cretaceous and Tertiary sediments overlying Paleozoic bedrock; calcium and magnesium-bearing minerals produce moderate hardness
Other Maryland Water Reports
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oxon Hill-Glassmanor's water safe to drink?
Do I need a water softener in Oxon Hill-Glassmanor?
How does Oxon Hill-Glassmanor compare to the USA average?
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for Oxon Hill-Glassmanor is derived from geographic and geological modelling of the surrounding region. No federal monitoring station data was available for this location.
Water Hardness
Modelled estimate based on state-level USGS geological survey data for this region. No direct USGS Water Quality Portal measurement was matched to this city — the value reflects a statistical range calibrated to the state's dominant rock types and typical source water characteristics.
pH
Estimated from regional geology and source water characteristics. pH is correlated with water hardness and local bedrock — values may differ from utility-reported figures.
TDS — Total Dissolved Solids
Estimated using a derived ratio from water hardness and regional conductance profiles. TDS in natural water correlates strongly with total mineral content including hardness ions.
PFAS — Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
EPA UCMR5 (5th Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 2023–2025) — sum of PFAS compounds detected at the public water system serving this city. A value of 0 indicates the system was sampled with no detection above reporting limits.
Lead
Modelled estimate based on the EPA Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile tap-sample methodology. No publicly available per-city lead dataset with sufficient national coverage exists. Values are a conservative baseline derived from city population tier and infrastructure age — all estimates are maintained below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Appliance Lifespan
Calculated from water hardness using a linear degradation model. Baseline lifespans represent soft-water performance (kettle: 8.5 yrs, washing machine: 12.0 yrs, water heater: 15.0 yrs). Hard water mineral scale progressively reduces operational life in direct proportion to hardness concentration.