Where does the water in 04463 come from?

Water for zip code 04463 in Derby, Maine is provided by 1 water system. Contact your local utility for specific source information, or check our detailed page for your area.

Water Hardness in 04463

Q: Is the water hard in Derby, ME (04463)?

The average water hardness in 04463 is 4 PPM (0.2 GPG), which is classified as soft. No water treatment is typically needed.

Q: Do I need a water softener in 04463?

At 4 PPM, your water is relatively soft. A water softener is generally not necessary, though some homeowners prefer the feel of softened water.

Derby, Maine · Piscataquis County

4 PPM

0.2 GPG

Soft

0Soft60120180300+

Estimated — Nearby Data

Dataset updated March 9, 2026Matched to 1 water systemTap readings can vary by utility zone, treatment, and plumbing. Methodology

Source context

How this ZIP reading is built

This ZIP reading is built from 1 matched water system. When more than one system is matched, the displayed value is weighted toward larger known service populations when that data is available.

Source basis

1 estimated source

This ZIP reading needs local confirmation before equipment sizing or purchase decisions.

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 Serving 04463

These are the systems matched to this ZIP code. The displayed ZIP value is weighted toward larger known service populations when population data is available.

1 water system

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
Milo Water District ME0091000	surface water	4 PPM Soft	1,720	Estimated — Nearby Data

Milo Water District

ME0091000

Soft

4 PPMsurface water1,720 servedEstimated — Nearby Data

Nearby Zip Codes

0444823 0445320 04414104 0441020 04426104 0442222 0447520 0449320 0493920 0446836 0444920 0442720

What This Means For You

Recommendations are based on the displayed ZIP 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 Derby, ME (04463).

Submit Your Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water hard in Derby, ME (04463)?

Our estimate for 04463 is 4 PPM (0.2 GPG), but it is based on nearby, county, or state-level data rather than a direct treated tap-water report for this exact location. Confirm with your utility or a home test.

Do I need a water softener in 04463?

Do not size a softener from this estimate alone. Confirm the actual tap-water hardness before choosing treatment equipment.

Is hard water in 04463 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 04463?

Zip code 04463 in Derby, Maine is served by 1 water system.

Learn More About Your Water

Water Hardness Scale: PPM and GPG Chart

Use the USGS water hardness scale to compare PPM, GPG, and mg/L levels from soft to very hard water.

10 min read

How to Test Water Hardness at Home

Compare free lookups, soap tests, test strips, liquid drop kits, and lab tests for measuring water hardness.

8 min read