Riviera Beach Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Riviera Beach, located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, gets its drinking water from Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC Water). The WSSC Water system primarily draws from the Potomac River, accessed via the Hiram Henson intake, and the Patuxent River, using the Bryantown intake. These sources are treated at the Potomac Water Filtration Plant and the Patuxent Water Filtration Plant. During periods of high demand, the system also utilizes water from reservoirs in the Patapsco River Valley. Distribution within the Riviera Beach area is managed by the Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works.

The water supply originates in the Potomac and Patuxent River watersheds, which traverse both the Piedmont and Coastal Plain physiographic provinces. The upstream Piedmont region contains metamorphic and igneous rocks of the Precambrian Glenarm Series and Paleozoic marbles. In this area, carbonate lenses and limestone dissolve, releasing calcium and magnesium and contributing to a hard water character. Further downstream, Cretaceous Potomac Formation sands and gravels are present. The Coastal Plain aquifers contain unconsolidated sediments from Tertiary and Quaternary deposits, including shell marls and glauconitic sands from the Miocene Calvert Formation. These sediments add silica and moderate mineralization, further shaping the water's overall hardness.

Homeowners in Riviera Beach may notice scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, which can reduce efficiency and shorten appliance lifespans. Common signs include white deposits on fixtures and less lather from soap. Frequent descaling of boilers and faucets might become necessary. To combat these effects, homeowners can try soaking showerheads in vinegar, flushing water heaters annually, and installing low-flow aerators. Installing a whole-house water softener is also recommended to prevent mineral accumulation and extend the life of household appliances. WSSC Water maintains compliance with EPA standards for water quality, including pH, lead, and copper, and employs corrosion control measures.