Water Hardness in Cambridge, MA

Q: Do I need a water softener in Cambridge, MA?

At a citywide weighted average of 8 PPM, Cambridge has relatively soft water. A water softener is generally not necessary.

Q: How many water systems serve Cambridge, MA?

Cambridge, Massachusetts has 30 matched water systems across 4 zip codes.

Massachusetts · 4 zip codes · 30 matched water systems

8 PPM

0.5 GPG

Soft

0Soft60120180300+

Verified — Annual Water Quality Report

City avg (weighted): 8 PPM

Dataset updated March 9, 202630 matched water systems in the city rollupIndividual systems and ZIPs can differ. Methodology

System used for this reading

Mwra

MA6000000

Water source: surface water

Serves: 2,660,000

USGS environmental estimate: 123 PPM

Source context

How this city reading is built

This city reading is a weighted rollup across 30 matched water systems and 4 ZIP codes. Citywide readings are useful for comparison, but individual utility zones and ZIPs can differ.

Source basis

30 verified treated-water sources

30 matched systems total for this city; treated-water reports are prioritized when available.

Water source profile

Primarily surface water

Surface-water hardness can shift with reservoirs, runoff, season, and treatment. This profile is weighted by known population served across matched systems.

Data recency

March 9, 2026

Dataset rebuilt March 9, 2026; individual utility reporting years can vary.

Hardness is a mineral-content reading, not a drinking-water safety rating. Use it for scale, appliance, and softener decisions; check your utility report or test your tap before sizing treatment equipment. See how we calculate local readings.

Water Systems in Cambridge

These systems are matched to Cambridge, MA. Citywide readings are useful for comparison, but the system serving a specific address may differ from the city average.

30 water systems

PWSID is the public water system identifier. Data Source shows whether the hardness value comes from a treated-water report, USGS monitoring, or a local estimate; source year is shown when available.

Water System	Source	Hardness	Pop. Served	Data Source
Mwra MA6000000	surface water	8 PPM Soft USGS estimate: 123 PPM	2,660,000	Verified — Annual Water Quality Report
Boston Water And Sewer Commission (Mwra) MA3035000	surface water	8 PPM Soft USGS estimate: 54 PPM	675,647	Verified — Annual Water Quality Report
Cambridge Water Department MA3049000	surface water	8 PPM Soft USGS estimate: 79 PPM	118,214	Verified — Annual Water Quality Report
Lowell Regional Water Utility MA3160000	surface water	8 PPM Soft USGS estimate: 51 PPM	115,000	Verified — Annual Water Quality Report
Newton Water Dept. (Mwra) MA3207000	surface water	8 PPM Soft USGS estimate: 66 PPM	88,415	Verified — Annual Water Quality Report

Mwra

MA6000000

Soft

8 PPMsurface water2,660,000 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report

Source water: 123 PPM

Boston Water And Sewer Commission (Mwra)

MA3035000

Soft

8 PPMsurface water675,647 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report

Source water: 54 PPM

Cambridge Water Department

MA3049000

Soft

8 PPMsurface water118,214 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report

Source water: 79 PPM

Lowell Regional Water Utility

MA3160000

Soft

8 PPMsurface water115,000 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report

Source water: 51 PPM

Newton Water Dept. (Mwra)

MA3207000

Soft

8 PPMsurface water88,415 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report

Source water: 66 PPM

Showing the first 5 systems. Expand to review all matched systems.

Zip Codes in Cambridge, MA

021388 021398 021428 021638

What This Means For You

Recommendations are based on the displayed hardness reading. Confirm your tap reading before sizing or buying treatment equipment.

Your Water Is Soft

Your water hardness is in the soft range. You likely don't need a water softener. Enjoy your naturally soft water!

Know your water hardness?

If you've tested your water or have your utility's CCR report, share your reading to help us improve accuracy for Cambridge, MA.

Submit Your Data

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the water in Cambridge, MA?

The citywide weighted average water hardness in Cambridge, MA is 8 PPM (0.5 GPG), classified as soft. This is based on 30 matched water systems.

Do I need a water softener in Cambridge, MA?

At 8 PPM, the citywide average is relatively soft. A water softener is generally not necessary.

Is hard water in Cambridge, MA safe to drink?

Water hardness itself is a mineral-content reading, not a drinking-water safety rating. Calcium and magnesium are naturally occurring minerals, but you should check your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for contaminant and compliance information.

How many water systems serve Cambridge, MA?

Cambridge, Massachusetts is served by 30 matched water systems across 4 zip codes.

Learn More About Your Water

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