Redland Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.3 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.9
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
301.8 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.38
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 Redland, your appliances are currently losing 19% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Redland | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -42% |
| Washing Machine | 8.3 yrs | 12 yrs | -31% |
| Water Heater | 9.9 yrs | 15 yrs | -34% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Redland compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Redland, Maryland | 142 mg/L | 7.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Gaithersburg, Maryland | 121.5 mg/L | 6.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Montgomery Village, Maryland | 81.5 mg/L | 4.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Rockville, Maryland | 169.5 mg/L | 9.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Olney, Maryland | 167 mg/L | 9.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Redland compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Redland | 142 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Redland's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Redland, Maryland, in Montgomery County — an unincorporated Montgomery County community adjacent to Rockville and Gaithersburg in central Montgomery County — receives its municipal water from WSSC Water (Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission), drawing from the Potomac River (Potomac WFP) or the Patuxent River (Patuxent WFP) through the WSSC distribution system.
The moderately hard 142 mg/L hardness and TDS of 301.8 mg/L reflect the WSSC Potomac-Patuxent blended supply's Appalachian-Piedmont character — comparable to other Montgomery County WSSC communities (White Oak: 100 mg/L is softer, suggesting Redland may receive a greater proportion of the harder Potomac supply). The Potomac River at the WSSC intake brings Cambrian Conococheague dolomite (Valley and Ridge carbonate) and Ordovician Frederick Limestone (Hagerstown Valley) loading.
At 142 mg/L, Redland'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 7.7 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — Joint Base Andrews (AFFF), the Montgomery County suburban-federal corridor, and the Potomac River mid-Atlantic PFAS complex contribute to Redland's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Redland in Montgomery County draws from WSSC Water on the Potomac River (Montgomery County, Maryland) — the Potomac drains the Appalachians (Cambrian Conococheague dolomite) and Maryland Piedmont (Precambrian Wissahickon schist) — Maryland Montgomery County WSSC Potomac River watershed produces moderately hard water at 142 mg/L with TDS 301.8 mg/L in this Montgomery County community.