Water Hardness in Massachusetts (MA)
Massachusetts has an average water hardness of 20 ppm (1.2 grains per gallon), which is classified as Soft . Massachusetts enjoys naturally soft water that requires no softening treatment. Residents benefit from easy soap lathering, spot-free dishes, and long-lasting plumbing and appliances. Water hardness varies between cities — from 14 ppm in Fall River to 28 ppm in Brockton.
Water Hardness by City in Massachusetts
The table below shows water hardness data for 8 cities in Massachusetts, sorted from hardest to softest. Click any city name for detailed information including water source, treatment recommendations, and estimated hard water costs.
| City | Hardness (PPM) | Grains/Gallon | Level | Water Source | pH | TDS | Utility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brockton | 28 ppm | 1.6 gpg | Soft | Surface | 7 | 44 | City of Brockton Water Department |
| Lowell | 24 ppm | 1.4 gpg | Soft | Surface | 7.1 | 38 | City of Lowell Water Utility |
| Springfield | 22 ppm | 1.3 gpg | Soft | Surface | 7.1 | 35 | Springfield Water and Sewer Commission |
| Worcester | 20 ppm | 1.2 gpg | Soft | Surface | 7 | 32 | City of Worcester Department of Public Works |
| New Bedford | 18 ppm | 1.1 gpg | Soft | Surface | 6.9 | 30 | New Bedford Water Department |
| Boston | 16 ppm | 0.9 gpg | Soft | Surface | 7 | 28 | Massachusetts Water Resources Authority |
| Cambridge | 15 ppm | 0.9 gpg | Soft | Surface | 7 | 26 | Cambridge Water Department |
| Fall River | 14 ppm | 0.8 gpg | Soft | Surface | 6.8 | 24 | Fall River Water Department |
Understanding Water Hardness in Massachusetts
Water Sources in Massachusetts
The majority of cities in Massachusetts draw their water from surface sources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Surface water generally contains fewer dissolved minerals than groundwater, which helps explain the overall hardness profile of the state. Cities that rely on surface water tend to have softer water because the water has less contact time with mineral-bearing rock formations underground.
Hardness Variation Across Massachusetts
Water hardness in Massachusetts ranges from 14 ppm in Fall River to 28 ppm in Brockton — a difference of 14 ppm. This variation means that treatment recommendations differ significantly between cities. Even the hardest water in Massachusetts is moderate enough that a water softener is optional rather than essential, though homeowners who value spotless dishes and softer-feeling water may still find one worthwhile. Meanwhile, Fall River enjoys naturally soft water that needs no treatment at all — an advantage that saves residents money on both equipment and ongoing maintenance.
How Massachusetts Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Massachusetts with five states that have similar average water hardness levels. Understanding how your state compares can help you gauge whether your water is typical for the region or unusually hard or soft.
| State | Avg Hardness | Level | Cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts (MA) | 20 ppm | Soft | 8 |
| Vermont (VT) | 20 ppm | Soft | 8 |
| Maine (ME) | 15 ppm | Soft | 7 |
| New Hampshire (NH) | 15 ppm | Soft | 8 |
| Washington (WA) | 25 ppm | Soft | 8 |
| Oregon (OR) | 30 ppm | Soft | 8 |
Find Your City's Water Hardness
Use our water hardness lookup tool to find your specific city in Massachusetts, or browse all 50 states to compare water hardness across the country. If your water is hard, visit our treatment solutions guide to find the right softener or conditioner for your home.