Cambridge Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
18.5 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
8.1
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
403 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.85
energy & soap waste
Source: See methodology section below · 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 Cambridge, your appliances are currently losing 42% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Cambridge | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -82% |
| Washing Machine | 3 yrs | 12 yrs | -75% |
| Water Heater | 5 yrs | 15 yrs | -67% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Cambridge compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Cambridge, Ohio | 317 mg/L | 26.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Coshocton, Ohio | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 0 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Zanesville, Ohio | ≈ 180+ mg/L | 3.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| New Philadelphia, Ohio | ≈ 180+ mg/L | 0 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Dover, Ohio | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 0 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How Cambridge compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Cambridge | 317 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 151 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Scarsdale Top Rated | 0.02 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Cambridge's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Cambridge Public Water Supply, serving Guernsey County, draws its water from a reservoir fed by Wills Creek in southeastern Ohio. The utility employs conventional treatment methods, including chlorine disinfection and filtration, to ensure the water meets health-based guidelines. This system provides water to the city of Cambridge and the surrounding areas. For emergencies, residents can call 740-439-2130.
The water originates from the Wills Creek watershed, which is characterized by Paleozoic sedimentary bedrock. These formations, primarily Devonian and Carboniferous in age, consist of limestone, shale, and sandstone. As water flows over and through these mineral-rich rocks, it picks up substantial amounts of calcium and magnesium, resulting in a very hard water supply typical of the Ohio Valley region.
This very hard water can lead to common issues like scale buildup in appliances such as hot water tanks, dishwashers, and washing machines, potentially reducing their efficiency and lifespan. You'll also notice that soaps and detergents don't perform as well. To combat these effects and protect your home's plumbing, installing a water softener is highly recommended for households. The City of Cambridge's water system consistently meets EPA drinking water standards, with lead levels well below the action level.
Geology & Source: Wills Creek watershed; Paleozoic sedimentary formations with limestone and shale produce very hard water
Other Ohio Water Reports
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge's water safe to drink?
Do I need a water softener in Cambridge?
How does Cambridge compare to the USA average?
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for Cambridge is derived from geographic and geological modelling of the surrounding region. No federal monitoring station data was available for this location.
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.
pH
Estimated from regional geology and source water characteristics. pH is correlated with water hardness and local bedrock — values may differ from utility-reported figures.
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.
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.
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.
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.