North End Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.8 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.9
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
303.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.31
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 End, your appliances are currently losing 16% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In North End | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -32% |
| Washing Machine | 9.3 yrs | 12 yrs | -22% |
| Water Heater | 10.9 yrs | 15 yrs | -27% |
Regional Water Comparison
How North End compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ North End, Massachusetts | 116.5 mg/L | 11.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Boston, Massachusetts | 43.5 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Charlestown, Massachusetts | 121 mg/L | 11.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| East Boston, Massachusetts | 117 mg/L | 11.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| East Cambridge, Massachusetts | 119 mg/L | 11.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How North End compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ North End | 116.5 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 End's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
North End, Massachusetts, in Suffolk County — a historic Boston neighborhood adjacent to Downtown Boston and East Boston on Boston Harbor — receives its water from the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC), drawing from the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs through the east Massachusetts distribution.
The moderately hard 116.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 303.7 mg/L reflect the Suffolk County supply's moderate character — while the Quabbin Reservoir itself is very soft, Boston's old distribution infrastructure and blending at the Cosgrove and Wachusett watershed introduces additional mineral content; the Wachusett Reservoir contributes slightly higher hardness than Quabbin, and Boston's aging infrastructure adds some dissolved mineral content in transit (compare Downtown Boston MA: 112/294 in Suffolk County comparable; East Boston MA: 120/313 in Suffolk County comparable; North End consistent moderate from the same Suffolk County Quabbin Reservoir Precambrian insoluble supply). The Quabbin/Wachusett supply — Precambrian Ware Formation (insoluble — primary dilutant), Paleozoic Northfield Formation (insoluble — secondary dilutant), and Quaternary Massachusetts glaciofluvial deposit (slightly calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 116.5 mg/L with TDS 304, North End's water is moderately hard — mild scale buildup. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 11.2 ppt is very elevated — a certified filter with PFAS removal is strongly recommended. Review the Boston Water and Sewer Commission's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: North End in Suffolk County draws from the Boston Water and Sewer Commission on the Quabbin/Wachusett Reservoir (Suffolk County, east Massachusetts) — the central Massachusetts highlands at Suffolk County draws from Precambrian Ware Formation (insoluble) and Paleozoic Northfield Formation (insoluble) — Massachusetts Suffolk County Quabbin Reservoir Precambrian insoluble supply produces moderately hard water at 116.5 mg/L with TDS 303.7 mg/L.