Saint Marys Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.2 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.9
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
283.4 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.37
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 Saint Marys, your appliances are currently losing 19% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Saint Marys | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -41% |
| Washing Machine | 8.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -30% |
| Water Heater | 10 yrs | 15 yrs | -33% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Saint Marys compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Saint Marys, Pennsylvania | 140.5 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Olean, New York | 93.5 mg/L | 4.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Altoona, Pennsylvania | 90 mg/L | 4.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| State College, Pennsylvania | 193 mg/L | 10.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Jamestown, New York | 115 mg/L | 5.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Saint Marys compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Saint Marys | 140.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Saint Marys's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Saint Marys, Pennsylvania, in Elk County — an Elk County city adjacent to Ridgway and Emporium in north-central Pennsylvania — receives its water from the City of St. Marys Water, drawing from Portage Creek or Hoover Dam Reservoir (Elk County) through the north-central Pennsylvania distribution.
The moderately hard 140.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 283.4 mg/L reflect the north-central Pennsylvania Elk County Allegheny Plateau supply's moderate calcareous character — the Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation's slightly calcareous contacts and the deeper Silurian-Devonian calcareous formations beneath the Plateau cap contribute moderate hardness consistent with the central Pennsylvania Allegheny Plateau communities (compare Coatesville PA: 140 mg/L; Colonial Park PA: 178.5 mg/L). The Portage Creek watershed at Elk 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 140.5 mg/L, Saint Marys' 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 7.3 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Elk County north-central Pennsylvania industrial corridor contribute to Saint Marys' elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Saint Marys in Elk County draws from the City of St. Marys Water on Portage Creek or Hoover Dam Reservoir (Elk County, north-central Pennsylvania) — the Portage Creek watershed at Elk County drains the Allegheny Plateau (Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation — slightly calcareous) and Devonian Catskill Formation (insoluble) — Pennsylvania Elk County Portage Creek Pennsylvanian-Devonian Plateau supply produces moderately hard water at 140.5 mg/L with TDS 283.4 mg/L.