Cambridgeport Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.1 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.006 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
198.2 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 Cambridgeport, your appliances are currently losing 12% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Cambridgeport | 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 Cambridgeport compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Cambridgeport, Massachusetts | 87 mg/L | 9.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Mid-Cambridge, Massachusetts | 79 mg/L | 8.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Fenway/Kenmore, Massachusetts | 109 mg/L | 10.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Cambridge, Massachusetts | 86 mg/L | 9.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Back Bay, Massachusetts | 91.5 mg/L | 9.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Cambridgeport compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Cambridgeport | 87 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Cambridgeport's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Cambridgeport, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County (Cambridge) — a Middlesex County neighborhood in Cambridge adjacent to Boston and Somerville — receives its water from the Cambridge Water Department or MWRA, drawing from Quabbin Reservoir or Wachusett Reservoir (Middlesex County) through the east Massachusetts distribution.
The moderately soft 87 mg/L hardness and TDS of 198.2 mg/L reflect the east-central Massachusetts Middlesex County MWRA supply's soft character — driven by the Central Uplands Precambrian insoluble watershed, with the hardness somewhat elevated compared to the raw Quabbin supply due to Cambridge's distribution system lime softening treatment adding some alkalinity. The Quabbin-Wachusett watershed at Middlesex County — Precambrian Ware Schist (insoluble — primary dilutant), Precambrian Princeton Gneiss (insoluble — dilutant), and water treatment lime addition (calcareous — trace hardness contributor to distribution).
At 87 mg/L, Cambridgeport'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 9.2 ppt is notably elevated and warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Middlesex County Cambridge industrial-research corridor and Hanscom Air Force Base (Middlesex County — AFFF) contribute to Cambridgeport's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Cambridgeport in Middlesex County draws from the MWRA on Quabbin Reservoir or Wachusett Reservoir (Middlesex County, east-central Massachusetts) — the Quabbin-Wachusett watershed drains the Central Uplands (Precambrian Ware Schist — insoluble) and Precambrian Princeton Gneiss (insoluble) — Massachusetts Middlesex County MWRA Quabbin-Wachusett Precambrian insoluble supply produces moderately soft water at 87 mg/L with TDS 198.2 mg/L.