Upper Roxborough Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The Philadelphia Water Department supplies Upper Roxborough, Pennsylvania, drawing its water from the Schuylkill River and Delaware River. Residents primarily receive treated surface water from the Queen Lane Water Treatment Plant. This facility, along with three others operated by the PWD, utilizes conventional treatment methods. These include coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection processes before the water travels through the extensive distribution mains to homes and businesses.

The water's journey begins in the Piedmont Upland region, where the Schuylkill and Delaware River Basins are characterized by underlying metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Specifically, Paleozoic-era dolomitic and limestone formations are prevalent. As water flows through these carbonate-rich geological structures, it naturally dissolves calcium and magnesium compounds. This process, enhanced by fractured bedrock and karst features, contributes to the mineralized character of the supply, making it moderately hard without any softening influences from groundwater aquifers.

This moderately hard water can lead to calcium scale buildup in appliances such as water heaters, dishwashers, and coffee makers. Such buildup reduces efficiency, shortens lifespan, and increases energy costs. You might notice detergents don't perform as well, leaving spots on dishes and fabrics, and soap scum can accumulate in showers and sinks. Regularly descaling fixtures with vinegar can help, and for households experiencing significant spotting or high water usage, installing a water softener is a worthwhile consideration to extend appliance life and improve cleaning effectiveness. Philadelphia's tap water has a pH between 7.0 and 8.5, meeting EPA standards.