Travilah Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
7.9 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.9
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
281.6 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.36
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 Travilah, your appliances are currently losing 18% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Travilah | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.1 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -40% |
| Washing Machine | 8.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -28% |
| Water Heater | 10.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -32% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Travilah compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Travilah, Maryland | 136 mg/L | 7.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| North Potomac, Maryland | 140.5 mg/L | 7.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Potomac, Maryland | 113.5 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Great Falls, Virginia | 169 mg/L | 8.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Lowes Island, Virginia | 105 mg/L | 5.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Travilah compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Travilah | 136 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Travilah's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Travilah, Maryland, in Montgomery County — a Montgomery County unincorporated community adjacent to Rockville and North Potomac in central Maryland — receives its water from the WSSC Water, drawing from the Potomac River (Montgomery County) through the central Maryland distribution.
The moderately hard 136 mg/L hardness and TDS of 281.6 mg/L reflect the central Maryland Montgomery County WSSC Potomac supply's moderate calcareous character — the Precambrian Catoctin Formation insoluble and Cambrian Antietam Formation slightly calcareous produce moderate water consistently throughout the WSSC service territory (compare North Potomac MD: 138/287 in Montgomery County nearly identical; Travilah essentially the same supply). The WSSC-Potomac system at Montgomery County — Precambrian Catoctin Formation (insoluble — primary dilutant), Cambrian Antietam Formation (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Quaternary Potomac alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 136 mg/L with TDS 282, Travilah's water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 7.4 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Montgomery County central Maryland suburban and industrial corridor contribute to Travilah's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Travilah in Montgomery County is served by WSSC Water drawing from the Potomac River — the Potomac watershed drains Precambrian Catoctin Formation (insoluble) and Cambrian Antietam Formation (slightly calcareous) — MD Montgomery County Potomac River Precambrian-Cambrian supply produces moderately hard water at 136 mg/L with TDS 281.6 mg/L.