Hershey Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Pennsylvania American Water supplies the Hershey area, drawing its raw water from Swatara Creek and Manada Creek. These creeks, located in Dauphin County, flow into the Susquehanna River basin. The water undergoes treatment at the Hershey Water Treatment Plant before being distributed to homes and businesses throughout the community and surrounding regions. The treatment process involves conventional methods such as coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, all designed to meet stringent drinking water standards. Routine monitoring also ensures adherence to regulations, including those for lead and copper.

The water's journey begins in the Appalachian Ridge and Valley region. Here, it interacts with Paleozoic sedimentary rocks, including Devonian-age shales, siltstones, and sandstones from the Catskill and Pocono Groups, as well as Mississippian-age limestones and dolomites. These folded and faulted Appalachian strata, particularly the carbonate units, readily dissolve over time. This geological interaction allows calcium and magnesium ions to enter the waterways, imparting a notably hard character to the surface water supply.

With a hardness level of 86 mg/L, residents might notice scale buildup affecting appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, potentially shortening their lifespan and reducing efficiency. You may also see spotting on glassware after it dries, and it often takes more soap or detergent to achieve a good lather. To combat these effects and protect your home's plumbing, regular cleaning of fixtures to remove scale is a good idea. Many homeowners find that installing a water softener significantly improves these issues and preserves the longevity of their appliances.