McKeesport Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
10.3 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
8.2
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
412.6 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.47
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 McKeesport, your appliances are currently losing 23% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In McKeesport | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -55% |
| Washing Machine | 7.1 yrs | 12 yrs | -41% |
| Water Heater | 8.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -43% |
Regional Water Comparison
How McKeesport compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ McKeesport, Pennsylvania | 176 mg/L | 9.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| West Mifflin, Pennsylvania | 189 mg/L | 9.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania | 89.5 mg/L | 4.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Monroeville, Pennsylvania | 105 mg/L | 5.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Baldwin, Pennsylvania | 127.5 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How McKeesport compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ McKeesport | 176 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes McKeesport's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
McKeesport, Pennsylvania, in Allegheny County — an Allegheny County city at the confluence of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny Rivers, a historic steel and industrial city in the Pittsburgh metro, once home to the National Tube Works (US Steel) — receives its municipal water from Pennsylvania American Water or the McKeesport Water Authority, drawing from the Monongahela River at McKeesport.
The moderately hard 176 mg/L hardness and high TDS of 412.6 mg/L reflect the Monongahela River watershed's Appalachian Plateau coal measures geology. The Monongahela River drains the Allegheny Plateau of southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia — terrain underlain by the Pennsylvanian Pittsburgh Coal Formation, the Pennsylvanian Conemaugh Group (calcareous shales and limestones), and the Mississippian Loyalhanna Limestone. Additionally, historical and ongoing coal mine drainage (acidic mine water rich in iron, sulfate, and carbonates) from the extensive southwestern Pennsylvania coalfield contributes significantly to the Monongahela's elevated TDS, particularly the sulfate fraction.
At 176 mg/L, McKeesport'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 9.3 ppt is very high and warrants a certified reverse osmosis drinking water filter — the Pittsburgh industrial-chemical corridor (Mon Valley Works, Clairton Coke Works), the Allegheny County legacy PFAS industrial complex, and upstream West Virginia Monongahela PFAS industrial sources contribute to McKeesport's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: McKeesport in Allegheny County draws from the Pennsylvania American Water or McKeesport Water Authority on the Monongahela River — the Monongahela drains the Allegheny Plateau (Pennsylvanian Pittsburgh Coal, Mississippian Loyalhanna Limestone) and the West Virginia coalfield — Monongahela River Appalachian Plateau coal measures and carbonate drainage produces moderately hard water at 176 mg/L with high TDS 413 mg/L in this Allegheny County Pennsylvania city.