New Kensington Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
10.7 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
8.2
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
441.4 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.49
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 New Kensington, your appliances are currently losing 24% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In New Kensington | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -59% |
| Washing Machine | 6.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -43% |
| Water Heater | 8.3 yrs | 15 yrs | -45% |
Regional Water Comparison
How New Kensington compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ New Kensington, Pennsylvania | 183.5 mg/L | 9.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Plum, Pennsylvania | 90 mg/L | 4.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Penn Hills, Pennsylvania | 161.5 mg/L | 8.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Monroeville, Pennsylvania | 105 mg/L | 5.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Murrysville, Pennsylvania | 159.5 mg/L | 8.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How New Kensington compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ New Kensington | 183.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes New Kensington's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
New Kensington, Pennsylvania, in Westmoreland County — a Westmoreland County city adjacent to Arnold and Lower Burrell on the Allegheny River in southwest Pennsylvania — receives its water from the Pennsylvania American Water, drawing from the Allegheny River (Westmoreland County) through the southwest Pennsylvania distribution.
The hard 183.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 441.4 mg/L reflect the southwest Pennsylvania Westmoreland County Allegheny River supply's hard calcareous character — identical hardness to Meadville PA (183.5 mg/L), consistent with the northwest-southwest Pennsylvania Allegheny Plateau communities on the Allegheny River drainage system (compare Dunmore PA: ~177 mg/L; Meadville PA: 183.5/443). The Allegheny River at Westmoreland County — Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Devonian Catskill Formation (insoluble — dilutant), and Silurian Clinton Group (calcareous — secondary contributor from deep contacts).
At 183.5 mg/L with TDS 441, New Kensington's water is hard. A water softener is recommended to prevent scale buildup. A reverse osmosis system is advisable for drinking water. The PFAS level of 9.6 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Westmoreland County southwest Pennsylvania industrial corridor contribute to New Kensington's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: New Kensington in Westmoreland County draws from the Pennsylvania American Water on the Allegheny River (Westmoreland County, southwest Pennsylvania) — the Allegheny River at Westmoreland County drains the Allegheny Plateau (Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation — slightly calcareous) and Devonian Catskill Formation (insoluble) — Pennsylvania Westmoreland County Allegheny River Pennsylvanian-Devonian Plateau supply produces hard water at 183.5 mg/L with TDS 441.4 mg/L.