Cedarbrook Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.1 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
173.4 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.28
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 Cedarbrook, your appliances are currently losing 14% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Cedarbrook | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -27% |
| Washing Machine | 9.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -18% |
| Water Heater | 11.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -24% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Cedarbrook compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Cedarbrook, Pennsylvania | 104 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| West Oak Lane, Pennsylvania | 195 mg/L | 10 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| East Mount Airy, Pennsylvania | 125 mg/L | 6.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| West Mount Airy, Pennsylvania | 194.5 mg/L | 10 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Germantown, Pennsylvania | 89.5 mg/L | 4.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Cedarbrook compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Cedarbrook | 104 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
Bring Badger-quality water to your Cedarbrook home
Shop water softeners on Amazon.com →
What Makes Cedarbrook's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Cedarbrook, Pennsylvania, in Montgomery County — a Montgomery County unincorporated community adjacent to Cheltenham and Wyncote in southeast Pennsylvania — receives its water from the Philadelphia Water system, drawing from the Schuylkill River (Montgomery County) through the southeast Pennsylvania distribution.
The moderately hard 104 mg/L hardness and TDS of 173.4 mg/L reflect the southeast Pennsylvania Montgomery County Schuylkill supply's moderate calcareous character — comparable to Ardmore PA (108/184) in the same Montgomery County on the same Philadelphia Water supply, the Ordovician Conestoga Formation calcareous and Precambrian Wissahickon Schist insoluble produce moderate water in the upper Schuylkill distribution zone. The Schuylkill River at Montgomery County — Ordovician Conestoga Formation (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Precambrian Wissahickon Schist (insoluble — primary dilutant), and Quaternary Schuylkill alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 104 mg/L with TDS 173, Cedarbrook's 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 5.2 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Montgomery County southeast Pennsylvania industrial corridor contribute to Cedarbrook's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Cedarbrook in Montgomery County is served by Philadelphia Water drawing from the Schuylkill River — the Schuylkill watershed drains Ordovician Conestoga Formation (calcareous) and Precambrian Wissahickon Schist (insoluble) — PA Montgomery County Schuylkill River Ordovician calcareous supply produces moderately hard water at 104 mg/L with TDS 173.4 mg/L.