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Water Hardness in 17961

Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania · Schuylkill County

160 PPM
9.4 GPG
Moderately Hard
0Soft60120180300+
High Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Dataset updated March 9, 2026Matched to 3 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 3 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
3 USGS-backed sources
3 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 17961

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.

3 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.
Schuylkill Co Mun Auth
PA3540038
Moderately Hard
172 PPMsurface water31,850 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Orwigsburg Municipal Water Wks
PA3540024
Soft
46 PPMgroundwater3,000 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Deer Lake Citizens Assoc
PA3540036
Soft
46 PPMgroundwater380 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Nearby Zip Codes

What This Means For You

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

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 Orwigsburg, PA (17961).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water hard in Orwigsburg, PA (17961)?

The average water hardness in 17961 is 160 PPM (9.4 GPG), which is classified as moderately hard.

Do I need a water softener in 17961?

With hardness of 160 PPM, a water softener is worth considering for homes in 17961.

Is hard water in 17961 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 17961?

Zip code 17961 in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania is served by 3 water systems.

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