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

The USA national average is 151 mg/L. Norfolk (≈ 0–59 mg/L) is 121 mg/L softer than average.

Norfolk Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

soft

~0–59 mg/L

Soft

estimated · not lab-verified

Source

groundwater

pH Level

7.9

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.008 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

278.5 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

$0.08

energy & soap waste

Source: See methodology section below · Updated 2026

soft~0–59 mg/LSoft · 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 Norfolk, your appliances are currently losing 4% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

Appliance	In Norfolk	Soft Water City	Efficiency Loss
Kettle	8.2 yrs	8.5 yrs	-4%
Washing Machine	11.5 yrs	12 yrs	-4%
Water Heater	14.4 yrs	15 yrs	-4%

Regional Water Comparison

How Norfolk compares to its nearest neighbours

City	Hardness	PFAS (ppt)	Risk	Source
▶ Norfolk, Massachusetts	≈ 0–59 mg/L	46.9 ppt	🟢 Soft	groundwater
Wrentham, Massachusetts	≈ 0–60 mg/L	35.7 ppt	🟢 Soft	groundwater
Medway, Massachusetts	≈ 0–60 mg/L	36.4 ppt	🟢 Soft	groundwater
Franklin, Massachusetts	≈ 120–179 mg/L	48.9 ppt	🟠 Hard	groundwater
Holliston, Massachusetts	≈ 0–60 mg/L	55.2 ppt	🟢 Soft	groundwater

National Benchmark

How Norfolk compares to the USA average

Benchmark	Hardness	Appliance Risk
▶ Norfolk	≈ 0–59 mg/L	🟢 None
USA National Avg	151 mg/L	🟠 Moderate
Scarsdale Top Rated	0.02 mg/L	🟢 None

Bring Scarsdale-quality water to your Norfolk home

Shop water softeners on Amazon.com →

Shop Now

What Makes Norfolk's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: GroundwaterTDS: 278.5 mg/LpH: 7.9

Norfolk, Massachusetts relies on local water systems within Norfolk County. While the specific utility, treatment plant locations, and exact sources couldn't be pinpointed, these systems generally draw from a mix of regional groundwater wells and surface water bodies. The Norfolk County area sits within the New England Upland, an area defined by its ancient Precambrian metamorphic bedrock, which includes gneiss, schist, and granite. These rocky foundations are covered by glacial deposits, shaping the landscape and influencing the water.

The geology of Norfolk County inherently produces soft water. The prevalent Precambrian metamorphic bedrock, along with limited exposure to carbonate rocks, results in water with low levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium. This acidic bedrock environment means the water isn't picking up many hardness minerals as it travels underground or across the surface. This geological makeup is typical for much of southeastern Massachusetts.

Because the water is naturally soft, homeowners in Norfolk usually don't need to worry about excessive scale buildup in their pipes or appliances. Soft water generally improves the lathering of soaps and detergents and can extend the life of water-using appliances. However, very soft water can sometimes be slightly acidic, potentially requiring pH adjustment or corrosion control measures to protect metal plumbing. For the most accurate and detailed water quality information, including any specific treatment processes or compliance data, it's best to consult the annual Consumer Confidence Report from your local water provider.

Geology & Source: Precambrian metamorphic bedrock (gneiss, schist, granite) with glacial deposits; minimal carbonate rock and acidic geology produce soft water

Other Massachusetts Water Reports

Wrentham

≈ 0–60 mg/L

🟢 Soft

Medway

≈ 0–60 mg/L

🟢 Soft

Franklin

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Holliston

≈ 0–60 mg/L

🟢 Soft

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 Norfolk's water safe to drink?

Yes. Norfolk's water meets all federal safety standards. The hardness is ≈ 0–59 mg/L (Soft), which is safe to drink. High hardness affects appliances and taste, but poses no health risk.

Do I need a water softener in Norfolk?

Norfolk's water is soft at ≈ 0–59 mg/L. A water softener is generally not necessary, though a carbon filter can improve taste and remove any remaining chlorine.

How does Norfolk compare to the USA average?

The USA national average is 151 mg/L. Norfolk (≈ 0–59 mg/L) is 121 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 Norfolk 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.