Where does the water in 17961 come from?

Water for zip code 17961 in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania is provided by 3 water systems. Contact your local utility for specific source information, or check our detailed page for your area.

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.

Water System	Source	Hardness	Pop. Served	Data Source
Schuylkill Co Mun Auth PA3540038	surface water	172 PPM Moderately Hard	31,850	High Confidence - USGS Monitoring
Orwigsburg Municipal Water Wks PA3540024	groundwater	46 PPM Soft	3,000	High Confidence - USGS Monitoring
Deer Lake Citizens Assoc PA3540036	groundwater	46 PPM Soft	380	High Confidence - USGS Monitoring

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

19549171 17930172 17922161 17965172 17960170 17953172 17929172 17925172 1952698 17952172 17982172 17959172

What This Means For You

Use this ZIP reading as a local planning estimate, not a final treatment specification. Hardness can vary by utility zone, seasonal blend, private well, and building plumbing. Confirm your tap reading with a utility report or home hardness test before sizing equipment.

Methodology Data sources How to test your 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 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.