Is Maryland tap water hard or soft?
Mostly not. 17 % of the 6 cities with published data in Maryland have hard or very hard water (over 120 mg/L). The median is 5.8 gpg, from 3.8 gpg in Takoma Park to 8 gpg in Frederick.
We have published hardness data for 6 cities in Maryland. The median is 5.8 gpg; the hardest water is in Frederick (8 gpg), the softest in Takoma Park (3.8 gpg).
17 % of these cities have hard or very hard water (over 120 mg/L).
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Cities in Maryland, hardest first
| gpg | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Frederick | 8 | 137 | hard |
| Bowie | 6.5 | 112 | moderately hard |
| Greenbelt | 6 | 103 | moderately hard |
| Baltimore | 5.5 | 95 | moderately hard |
| Havre de Grace | 4 | 68 | moderately hard |
| Takoma Park | 3.8 | 65 | moderately hard |
FAQ
Is Maryland water hard or soft?
Mostly not. 17 % of the 6 cities we cover have hard or very hard water; the median is 5.8 gpg.
Which city in Maryland has the hardest water?
Frederick, at 8 gpg, has the hardest water of the 6 cities with published data.
Which city in Maryland has the softest water?
Takoma Park, at 3.8 gpg, has the softest water of the 6 cities with published data.
Do I need a water softener in Maryland?
Above about 120 mg/L (7 gpg) scale builds up in water heaters, kettles and dishwashers, and a softener or at least regular descaling pays off. Look up your own city in the table: in Maryland the values range from 3.8 gpg to 8 gpg.
On a private well? Well water hardness in Maryland by county →