Washington Square Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
9.2 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
336.6 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.42
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 Washington Square, your appliances are currently losing 21% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Washington Square | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.4 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -48% |
| Washing Machine | 7.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -35% |
| Water Heater | 9.3 yrs | 15 yrs | -38% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Washington Square compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Washington Square, Pennsylvania | 157.5 mg/L | 8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 168.5 mg/L | 8.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Center City, Pennsylvania | 157.5 mg/L | 8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Rittenhouse, Pennsylvania | 188 mg/L | 9.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Point Breeze, Pennsylvania | 176 mg/L | 9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Washington Square compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Washington Square | 157.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Washington Square's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Washington Square, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County — a Philadelphia County neighborhood in Philadelphia adjacent to Society Hill and Center City in historic Philadelphia — receives its water from the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD), drawing from the Schuylkill River (Philadelphia County) through the Philadelphia city distribution.
The moderately hard 157.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 336.6 mg/L reflect the southeast Pennsylvania Philadelphia County Schuylkill River supply's moderate calcareous character — harder than East Norriton PA (110.5 mg/L upstream at Montgomery County) as the Schuylkill accumulates additional calcareous dissolution from the Cambrian limestone contacts in the Philadelphia-Montgomery County transition zone. The Schuylkill River at Philadelphia County — Cambrian Kinzers and Vintage Limestones (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Precambrian Reading Prong gneiss (insoluble — dilutant), and Triassic Brunswick Formation (slightly calcareous — secondary contributor).
At 157.5 mg/L, Washington Square'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 8.0 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Philadelphia County historic industrial corridor and the Schuylkill River industrial legacy contribute to Washington Square's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Washington Square in Philadelphia County draws from the Philadelphia Water Department on the Schuylkill River (Philadelphia County, southeast Pennsylvania) — the Schuylkill at Philadelphia County drains the Pennsylvania Piedmont (Cambrian calcareous limestone) and Precambrian Reading Prong gneiss (insoluble) — Pennsylvania Philadelphia County Schuylkill River Precambrian-Cambrian calcareous supply produces moderately hard water at 157.5 mg/L with TDS 336.6 mg/L.