North Adams Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.5 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.9
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
284 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.30
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 North Adams, your appliances are currently losing 15% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In North Adams | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -31% |
| Washing Machine | 9.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -21% |
| Water Heater | 11.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -26% |
Regional Water Comparison
How North Adams compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ North Adams, Massachusetts | 111.5 mg/L | 10.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Pittsfield, Massachusetts | 86 mg/L | 9.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Greenfield, Massachusetts | 30.5 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Troy, New York | 160.5 mg/L | 7.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Cohoes, New York | 161.5 mg/L | 7.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How North Adams compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ North Adams | 111.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes North Adams's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
North Adams, Massachusetts, in Berkshire County — a Berkshire County city adjacent to Williamstown and Adams in northwest Massachusetts — receives its water from the North Adams Water Department, drawing from Notch Reservoir (Berkshire County) through the northwest Massachusetts distribution.
The moderately hard 111.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 284 mg/L reflect the northwest Massachusetts Berkshire County supply's moderate calcareous character — the Taconic Range's Cambrian Stockbridge Marble provides the primary calcareous input to the reservoir watershed, while the Precambrian Hoosac Formation gneiss contributes insoluble dilution; somewhat harder than the central Massachusetts reservoirs reflecting the Stockbridge Marble calcareous input unique to the Taconic Range. The Notch watershed at Berkshire County — Cambrian Stockbridge Marble (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Precambrian Hoosac Formation gneiss (insoluble — dilutant), and Ordovician Walloomsac Formation schist (insoluble — dilutant).
At 111.5 mg/L, North Adams' water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need periodic cleaning. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 10.8 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Berkshire County former industrial (GE Pittsfield PCB — TCA legacy) and the northwest Massachusetts industrial corridor are key contributors to North Adams' elevated PFAS readings.
Geology & Source: North Adams in Berkshire County draws from the North Adams Water Department on Notch Reservoir (Berkshire County, northwest Massachusetts) — the Notch watershed drains the Taconic Range (Cambrian Stockbridge Marble — slightly calcareous) and Precambrian Hoosac Formation gneiss (insoluble) — Massachusetts Berkshire County Notch Reservoir Cambrian-Precambrian calcareous supply produces moderately hard water at 111.5 mg/L with TDS 284 mg/L.