Emmaus 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
173.6 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 Emmaus, your appliances are currently losing 14% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Emmaus | 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 Emmaus compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Emmaus, Pennsylvania | 104 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Allentown, Pennsylvania | 89 mg/L | 4.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Fullerton, Pennsylvania | 207 mg/L | 10.7 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania | 219 mg/L | 11.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Bethlehem, Pennsylvania | 200.5 mg/L | 10.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Emmaus compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Emmaus | 104 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Emmaus's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Emmaus, Pennsylvania, in Lehigh County — a Lehigh County borough adjacent to Salisbury Township and Macungie in the Lehigh Valley of east-central Pennsylvania — receives its water from the Emmaus Municipal Authority, drawing from Little Lehigh Creek and local reservoir sources through the east-central Pennsylvania distribution.
The moderately hard 104 mg/L hardness and TDS of 173.6 mg/L reflect the Lehigh County Little Lehigh Creek supply's moderate calcareous character — the Cambrian Kittatinny Limestone and Ordovician Jacksonburg Formation are calcareous formations in the Lehigh Valley limestone belt, and the Little Lehigh Creek is well-known for its limestone spring character (compare Salisbury Township PA: 102/170 in Lehigh County comparable; Macungie PA: 106/177 in Lehigh County comparable; Emmaus consistent moderate from the same Lehigh County Little Lehigh Creek Cambrian calcareous supply). The Lehigh Valley watershed — Cambrian Kittatinny Limestone (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Ordovician Jacksonburg Formation (calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Lehigh alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 104 mg/L with TDS 174, Emmaus' water is moderately hard — mild scale buildup in appliances. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.2 ppt is moderate — a certified drinking water filter provides added protection. Review the Emmaus Municipal Authority's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Emmaus in Lehigh County draws from the Emmaus Authority Water on the Little Lehigh Creek (Lehigh County, east-central Pennsylvania) — the Lehigh Valley drains Cambrian Kittatinny Limestone (calcareous) and Ordovician Jacksonburg Formation (calcareous) — Pennsylvania Lehigh County Little Lehigh Creek Cambrian calcareous supply produces moderately hard water at 104 mg/L with TDS 173.6 mg/L.