Leicester Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
3.9 grains per gallon
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
$0.18
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 Leicester, your appliances are currently losing 9% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Leicester | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.4 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -13% |
| Washing Machine | 11.1 yrs | 12 yrs | -8% |
| Water Heater | 12.9 yrs | 15 yrs | -14% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Leicester compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Leicester, Massachusetts | 67 mg/L | 7.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Auburn, Massachusetts | 87 mg/L | 9.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Worcester, Massachusetts | 20 mg/L | 4.5 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Holden, Massachusetts | 83 mg/L | 8.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Charlton, Massachusetts | 121 mg/L | 11.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Leicester compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Leicester | 67 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Leicester's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Leicester, Massachusetts, in Worcester County — a Worcester County town adjacent to Auburn and Oxford west of Worcester in south-central Massachusetts — receives its water from the Leicester Water Department, drawing from the French River watershed through the south-central Massachusetts distribution.
The soft 67 mg/L hardness and TDS of 137.3 mg/L reflect the Worcester County French River supply's soft Precambrian character — the Precambrian Grenville Province gneiss is largely insoluble, while the Ordovician Worcester Formation contributes minimal calcareous mineral content from its slightly calcareous schist and quartzite (compare Auburn MA: 65/132 in Worcester County comparable; Oxford MA: 68/141 in Worcester County comparable; Leicester consistent soft from the same Worcester County French River Precambrian insoluble supply). The French River watershed — Precambrian Grenville Province gneiss (insoluble — primary dilutant), Ordovician Worcester Formation (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Quaternary French River alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 67 mg/L with TDS 137, Leicester's water is soft — minimal scale buildup. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 7.7 ppt is elevated — a certified drinking water filter with PFAS removal is recommended — the Worcester County Massachusetts industrial corridor legacy contributes to Leicester's elevated PFAS readings. Review the Leicester Water Department's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Leicester in Worcester County draws from the Leicester Water on the French River watershed (Worcester County, south-central Massachusetts) — the French River watershed drains Precambrian Grenville Province gneiss (insoluble) and Ordovician Worcester Formation (slightly calcareous) — Massachusetts Worcester County French River Precambrian insoluble supply produces soft water at 67 mg/L with TDS 137.3 mg/L.