East Cambridge Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
7 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.9
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.009 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
313.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.32
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 East Cambridge, your appliances are currently losing 16% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In East Cambridge | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -33% |
| Washing Machine | 9.2 yrs | 12 yrs | -23% |
| Water Heater | 10.8 yrs | 15 yrs | -28% |
Regional Water Comparison
How East Cambridge compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ East Cambridge, Massachusetts | 119 mg/L | 11.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Back Bay, Massachusetts | 91.5 mg/L | 9.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Union Square, Massachusetts | 79 mg/L | 8.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Charlestown, Massachusetts | 121 mg/L | 11.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Boston, Massachusetts | 43.5 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How East Cambridge compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ East Cambridge | 119 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes East Cambridge's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
East Cambridge, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County — a Middlesex County neighborhood adjacent to Cambridge and Somerville in east Massachusetts — receives its water from the Cambridge Water Department or MWRA, drawing from Hobbs Brook Reservoir (Middlesex County) through the east Massachusetts distribution.
The moderately hard 119 mg/L hardness and TDS of 313.5 mg/L are notably harder than the typical MWRA system supply (compare Wayland MA: 63.5 mg/L; Cambridge water: ~50 mg/L) — reflecting East Cambridge's specific draw from the deeper Hobbs Brook aquifer system where Cambrian Hopkinton Dolomite contributes elevated calcareous hardness, producing harder water than the typical MWRA soft supply. The Hobbs Brook watershed at Middlesex County — Cambrian Hopkinton Dolomite (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Precambrian Nashoba Formation gneiss (insoluble — dilutant), and Ordovician Paxton Formation (insoluble — dilutant).
At 119 mg/L, East Cambridge'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 11.4 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Middlesex County east Massachusetts industrial and former Air Force corridor contribute to East Cambridge's elevated PFAS readings.
Geology & Source: East Cambridge in Middlesex County draws from the Cambridge Water Department or MWRA on Hobbs Brook Reservoir (Middlesex County, east Massachusetts) — the Hobbs Brook watershed at Middlesex County drains Precambrian Nashoba Formation gneiss (insoluble) and Cambrian Hopkinton Dolomite (slightly calcareous) — Massachusetts Middlesex County Hobbs Brook MWRA Precambrian-Cambrian supply produces moderately hard water at 119 mg/L with TDS 313.5 mg/L.