How does Leicester's water compare to the national average?

The USA national average is 151 mg/L. Leicester (≈ 120–179 mg/L) is 1 mg/L softer than average.

Leicester Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

hard

~120–179 mg/L

Hard

estimated · not lab-verified

Source

reservoir

pH Level

7.5

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.005 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

137.3 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

$0.40

energy & soap waste

Source: See methodology section below · Updated 2026

hard~120–179 mg/LHard · est.

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 Leicester, your appliances are currently losing 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

Appliance	In Leicester	Soft Water City	Efficiency Loss
Kettle	6.8 yrs	8.5 yrs	-20%
Washing Machine	9.6 yrs	12 yrs	-20%
Water Heater	12 yrs	15 yrs	-20%

Regional Water Comparison

How Leicester compares to its nearest neighbours

City	Hardness	PFAS (ppt)	Risk	Source
▶ Leicester, Massachusetts	≈ 120–179 mg/L	7.7 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir
Auburn, Massachusetts	≈ 120–179 mg/L	52.6 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir
Worcester, Massachusetts	24.1 mg/L	3.2 ppt	🟢 Soft	reservoir
Holden, Massachusetts	24 mg/L	68.6 ppt	🟢 Soft	reservoir
Charlton, Massachusetts	≈ 120–179 mg/L	11.5 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir

National Benchmark

How Leicester compares to the USA average

Benchmark	Hardness	Appliance Risk
▶ Leicester	≈ 120–179 mg/L	🟠 Moderate
USA National Avg	151 mg/L	🟠 Moderate
Scarsdale Top Rated	0.02 mg/L	🟢 None

Bring Scarsdale-quality water to your Leicester home

Shop water softeners on Amazon.com →

Shop Now

What Makes Leicester's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: ReservoirTDS: 137.3 mg/LpH: 7.5

The Leicester Water Supply District serves about 3,685 residents in Worcester County, Massachusetts. Its water comes from local reservoirs within the Quinebaug River basin, overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Treatment processes are detailed in annual Consumer Confidence Reports, which are accessible online. This district operates as a separate, subscriber-owned entity.

The region's geology is characterized by Devonian and Carboniferous bedrock, including the Brimfield Schist and Worcester Phyllite groups. These metamorphic and igneous rocks, along with overlying glacial till and outwash deposits, contribute dissolved calcium and magnesium ions. Water percolating through these fractured rocks and soils results in a moderately mineralized water character. Compared to areas dominated by limestone, the influence of local precipitation and thinner soil layers moderates the water's hardness.

Homeowners in Leicester may notice limescale buildup in appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters, which can reduce their efficiency and lifespan. Kettles and faucets might develop deposits, and you might need a bit more detergent for tasks like laundry or washing dishes. Regularly descaling with vinegar and performing annual appliance maintenance can help manage these effects. For those experiencing significant issues, a water softener is often recommended to prolong the life of your equipment and improve lathering.

Geology & Source: Devonian/Carboniferous schists, gneisses, granites; glacial till/outwash; moderate hardness from cation leaching

Other Massachusetts Water Reports

Auburn

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Worcester

24.1 mg/L

🟢 Soft

Holden

24 mg/L

🟢 Soft

Charlton

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Report an Issue

Notice an error or missing data? Help us keep this page accurate. If you spot incorrect water hardness, outdated utility info, or missing details, please let us know.

All reports are reviewed by our team. Thank you for supporting data quality!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leicester's water safe to drink?

Yes. Leicester's water meets all federal safety standards. The hardness is ≈ 120–179 mg/L (Hard), which is safe to drink. High hardness affects appliances and taste, but poses no health risk.

Do I need a water softener in Leicester?

At ≈ 120–179 mg/L (Hard), Leicester's water will cause significant limescale on kettles, washing machines, and water heaters. A water softener or descaler is strongly recommended to extend appliance lifespan and reduce energy bills by up to 20%.

How does Leicester compare to the USA average?

The USA national average is 151 mg/L. Leicester (≈ 120–179 mg/L) is 1 mg/L below the national average. The softest major city is Scarsdale at just 0.02 mg/L.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for Leicester is derived from geographic and geological modelling of the surrounding region. No federal monitoring station data was available for this location.

Estimated

Water Hardness

Modelled estimate based on state-level USGS geological survey data for this region. No direct USGS Water Quality Portal measurement was matched to this city — the value reflects a statistical range calibrated to the state's dominant rock types and typical source water characteristics.

Estimated

Estimated from regional geology and source water characteristics. pH is correlated with water hardness and local bedrock — values may differ from utility-reported figures.

Estimated

TDS — Total Dissolved Solids

Estimated using a derived ratio from water hardness and regional conductance profiles. TDS in natural water correlates strongly with total mineral content including hardness ions.

Measured

PFAS — Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

EPA UCMR5 (5th Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 2023–2025) — sum of PFAS compounds detected at the public water system serving this city. A value of 0 indicates the system was sampled with no detection above reporting limits.

Modelled

Lead

Modelled estimate based on the EPA Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile tap-sample methodology. No publicly available per-city lead dataset with sufficient national coverage exists. Values are a conservative baseline derived from city population tier and infrastructure age — all estimates are maintained below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.

Calculated

Appliance Lifespan

Calculated from water hardness using a linear degradation model. Baseline lifespans represent soft-water performance (kettle: 8.5 yrs, washing machine: 12.0 yrs, water heater: 15.0 yrs). Hard water mineral scale progressively reduces operational life in direct proportion to hardness concentration.