Mid-Cambridge Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.6 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.006 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
172.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.21
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 Mid-Cambridge, your appliances are currently losing 11% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Mid-Cambridge | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -18% |
| Washing Machine | 10.7 yrs | 12 yrs | -11% |
| Water Heater | 12.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -17% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Mid-Cambridge compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Mid-Cambridge, Massachusetts | 79 mg/L | 8.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Cambridge, Massachusetts | 86 mg/L | 9.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Union Square, Massachusetts | 79 mg/L | 8.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Cambridgeport, Massachusetts | 87 mg/L | 9.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Somerville, Massachusetts | 29.5 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Mid-Cambridge compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Mid-Cambridge | 79 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Mid-Cambridge's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Mid-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 soft 79 mg/L hardness and TDS of 172.7 mg/L are consistent with the Cambridge Water Department's Hobbs Brook supply (compare East Cambridge MA: 119 mg/L harder; typical MWRA supply: ~60 mg/L) — reflecting the Precambrian Nashoba Formation gneiss dilution and minor Cambrian Hopkinton Dolomite calcareous contribution at Mid-Cambridge's distribution zone. 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 — secondary dilutant).
At 79 mg/L, Mid-Cambridge's water is moderately soft — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and no softening is needed. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 8.6 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Middlesex County east Massachusetts industrial and former military corridor contribute to Mid-Cambridge's elevated PFAS readings.
Geology & Source: Mid-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 soft water at 79 mg/L with TDS 172.7 mg/L.