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Water Hardness in 16841

Howard, Pennsylvania · Centre County

17 PPM
1 GPG
Soft
0Soft60120180300+
High Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Dataset updated March 9, 2026Matched to 6 water systemsTap readings can vary by utility zone, treatment, and plumbing. Methodology

Source context

How this ZIP reading is built

This ZIP reading is built from 6 matched water systems. When more than one system is matched, the displayed value is weighted toward larger known service populations when that data is available.

Source basis
6 USGS-backed sources
6 matched systems total for this ZIP; USGS monitoring is used where treated-water reports are unavailable.
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 16841

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.

6 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.
State College Boro Water Auth
PA4140096
Soft
16 PPMsurface water72,000 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Penn State Univ
PA4140095
Soft
16 PPMgroundwater37,000 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Paw Philipsburg
PA4140087
Soft
15 PPMsurface water20,784 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Borough Of Howard
PA4140080
Hard
190 PPMgroundwater1,001 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Ridge Crest Community
PA4140124
Hard
190 PPMgroundwater300 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Showing the first 5 systems. Expand to review all matched systems.

Nearby Zip Codes

1682616168221316856201682338168531916848816864161685216168291617751917750816845197

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 Howard, PA (16841).

Submit Your Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water hard in Howard, PA (16841)?

The average water hardness in 16841 is 17 PPM (1 GPG), which is classified as soft.

Do I need a water softener in 16841?

At 17 PPM, your water is relatively soft. A water softener is generally not necessary.

Is hard water in 16841 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 16841?

Zip code 16841 in Howard, Pennsylvania is served by 6 water systems.

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.

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