Elizabethtown Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.2 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
138.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.24
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 Elizabethtown, your appliances are currently losing 12% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Elizabethtown | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -22% |
| Washing Machine | 10.3 yrs | 12 yrs | -14% |
| Water Heater | 12 yrs | 15 yrs | -20% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Elizabethtown compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania | 89.5 mg/L | 4.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Hershey, Pennsylvania | 210.5 mg/L | 10.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Columbia, Pennsylvania | 180.5 mg/L | 9.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| York, Pennsylvania | 139.5 mg/L | 7.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Colonial Park, Pennsylvania | 178.5 mg/L | 9.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Elizabethtown compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Elizabethtown | 89.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Elizabethtown's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County — a Lancaster County borough adjacent to Mount Joy and Marietta on the Susquehanna River in south-central Pennsylvania — receives its water from the Elizabethtown Area Water Authority, drawing from the Susquehanna River and local wells through the south-central Pennsylvania distribution.
The soft 89.5 mg/L hardness and low TDS of 138.9 mg/L reflect the Lancaster County Susquehanna supply's soft character — the Precambrian Wissahickon Schist is highly insoluble, while Cambrian Chickies Formation quartzite contributes only minor calcareous content, producing the relatively soft water characteristic of the lower Susquehanna River (compare Mount Joy PA: 87/134 in Lancaster County comparable; Marietta PA: 92/143 in Lancaster County comparable; Elizabethtown consistent soft from the same Lancaster County Susquehanna River Precambrian-Cambrian supply). The Susquehanna watershed at Lancaster County — Precambrian Wissahickon Formation (insoluble — primary dilutant), Cambrian Chickies Formation (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Quaternary Susquehanna alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 89.5 mg/L with TDS 139, Elizabethtown's water is soft — minimal scale buildup and excellent appliance longevity. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.5 ppt is moderate — a certified filter provides added protection. Review the Elizabethtown Area Water Authority's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Elizabethtown in Lancaster County draws from the Elizabethtown Water on the Susquehanna River (Lancaster County, south-central Pennsylvania) — the Susquehanna at Lancaster County drains Precambrian Wissahickon Formation (insoluble) and Cambrian Chickies Formation (slightly calcareous) — Pennsylvania Lancaster County Susquehanna River Precambrian-Cambrian supply produces soft water at 89.5 mg/L with TDS 138.9 mg/L.