Harwich Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
3.3 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
109.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.15
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 Harwich, your appliances are currently losing 8% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Harwich | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -9% |
| Washing Machine | 11.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -4% |
| Water Heater | 13.3 yrs | 15 yrs | -11% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Harwich compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Harwich, Massachusetts | 56.5 mg/L | 7 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Yarmouth, Massachusetts | 26 mg/L | 4.9 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Hyannis, Massachusetts | 105.5 mg/L | 10.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Barnstable, Massachusetts | 101.5 mg/L | 10.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Mashpee, Massachusetts | 20.5 mg/L | 4.5 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Harwich compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Harwich | 56.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Harwich's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Harwich, Massachusetts, in Barnstable County — a Barnstable County town adjacent to Chatham and Dennis on Cape Cod in southeast Massachusetts — receives its water from the Harwich Water Department, drawing from the local Cape Cod glacial outwash aquifer (Barnstable County) through the Cape Cod distribution.
The soft 56.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 109.2 mg/L reflect the Cape Cod Barnstable County glacial outwash supply's soft character — the Pleistocene stratified drift's minimal calcareous contact provides light hardness, typical of the Cape Cod communities on the shallow glacial aquifer. The Cape Cod outwash aquifer at Barnstable County — Pleistocene stratified drift (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Precambrian basement (insoluble — deep dilutant), and Holocene beach sand (insoluble — surface dilutant).
At 56.5 mg/L, Harwich's water is soft — scale forms very slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and no softening is needed. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 7.0 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Barnstable County Cape Cod former Otis Air National Guard Base (AFFF contamination) is a primary contributor to Harwich's elevated PFAS readings.
Geology & Source: Harwich in Barnstable County draws from the Harwich Water Department on local Cape Cod glacial outwash aquifer (Barnstable County, southeast Massachusetts) — the Cape Cod outwash aquifer at Barnstable County is developed in Pleistocene stratified drift (slightly calcareous) over Precambrian basement (insoluble) — Massachusetts Barnstable County Cape Cod Pleistocene glacial outwash supply produces soft water at 56.5 mg/L with TDS 109.2 mg/L.