Parkwood Manor Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Parkwood Manor, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County — a Philadelphia County neighborhood adjacent to Somerton and Morrell Park in the far northeast section of Philadelphia — receives its municipal water from the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD), drawing from the Delaware River (Baxter WTP — primary northeast Philadelphia supply) or the Schuylkill River (Queen Lane WTP) through the Philadelphia distribution system.

The hard 155 mg/L hardness and TDS of 327.6 mg/L reflect northeast Philadelphia's distribution zone, which draws primarily from the Delaware River (less calcareous than the Schuylkill). This is consistent with northeast Philadelphia being slightly softer than southwest neighborhoods (Elmwood: 169.5 mg/L; Point Breeze: 176 mg/L) due to a greater proportion of the Delaware River, which has less Triassic Brunswick calcareous redbed influence than the Schuylkill. The Ordovician Nittany Dolomite and Triassic Brunswick Formation contribute the carbonate loading to both watersheds.

At 155 mg/L, Parkwood Manor's water is hard — scale builds steadily in kettles and appliances, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and water heaters should be descaled annually. Monthly descaling is recommended. The PFAS level of 7.9 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Philadelphia northeast industrial corridor, the Delaware River PFAS loading from the New Jersey-Pennsylvania industrial complex, and the Delaware Valley PFAS background contribute to Parkwood Manor's elevated readings.