Grafton Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
7.2 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.009 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
333.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.33
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 Grafton, your appliances are currently losing 17% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Grafton | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -35% |
| Washing Machine | 9 yrs | 12 yrs | -25% |
| Water Heater | 10.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -29% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Grafton compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Grafton, Massachusetts | 124 mg/L | 11.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Northbridge, Massachusetts | 19.5 mg/L | 4.4 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Millbury, Massachusetts | 54.5 mg/L | 6.9 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Shrewsbury, Massachusetts | 121.5 mg/L | 11.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Worcester, Massachusetts | 20 mg/L | 4.5 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Grafton compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Grafton | 124 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Grafton's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Grafton, Massachusetts, in Worcester County — a Worcester County town adjacent to Northbridge and Millbury in the Blackstone River valley of central Massachusetts — receives its municipal water from the Grafton Water District, drawing from local reservoir sources (Worcester County) in the upper Blackstone watershed.
The moderately hard 124 mg/L hardness and TDS of 333.3 mg/L are somewhat elevated for a central Massachusetts crystalline watershed (nearby Auburn: 87 mg/L; Holden: 83 mg/L), reflecting either a distinct local supply source with higher mineral content, or the Grafton Water District drawing from wells with calcareous influence. The Grafton watershed drains the Central Massachusetts Upland — Precambrian Milford Granite (insoluble), Cambrian Grafton Quartzite (insoluble quartzite), and minor Triassic Hartford Basin influence. The elevated hardness relative to neighboring MWRA communities suggests a different supply source or local calcareous aquifer contribution.
At 124 mg/L, Grafton'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 11.7 ppt is very elevated and warrants a certified reverse osmosis drinking water filter — Blackstone Valley industrial corridor (Grafton-Northbridge-Millbury historic textile and manufacturing PFAS legacy — the Blackstone is one of the most industrially polluted rivers in New England), and the central Massachusetts PFAS background contribute to Grafton's very elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Grafton in Worcester County draws from local reservoirs (Worcester County, central Massachusetts) — the Grafton watershed drains the Central Massachusetts Upland (Precambrian Milford Granite, Cambrian Grafton Quartzite — low solubility) with minor Triassic calcareous influence — Massachusetts Worcester County central Upland crystalline watershed produces moderately hard water at 124 mg/L with TDS 333.3 mg/L in this Worcester County Massachusetts town.