Where does the water in 21798 come from?

Water for zip code 21798 in Woodsboro, Maryland 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 21798

Woodsboro, Maryland · Frederick County

120 PPM

7 GPG

Slightly Hard

0Soft60120180300+

Verified — Annual Water Quality Report

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

2 verified treated-water sources

3 matched systems total for this ZIP; 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 Serving 21798

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
New Design - Frederick County MD0100030	surface water	120 PPM Moderately Hard USGS estimate: 140 PPM	74,911	Verified — Annual Water Quality Report
City Of Frederick MD0100015	surface water	120 PPM Moderately Hard USGS estimate: 175 PPM	54,000	Verified — Annual Water Quality Report
Town Of Woodsboro MD0100027	groundwater	59 PPM Soft	846	High Confidence — USGS Monitoring

New Design - Frederick County

MD0100030

Moderately Hard

120 PPMsurface water74,911 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report

Source water: 140 PPM

City Of Frederick

MD0100015

Moderately Hard

120 PPMsurface water54,000 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report

Source water: 175 PPM

Town Of Woodsboro

MD0100027

Soft

59 PPMgroundwater846 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Nearby Zip Codes

21793123 21757120 21762120 21791208 21778120 21701120 21788116 21702120 21774120 21776213 21727121 21787202

What This Means For You

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

Slightly Hard Water

Your water is slightly hard. You may notice minor spotting on dishes or a slight film on faucets. A water softener is optional but can improve water quality.

Recommended Products

Water Hardness Test Kit

Our PickVarify (150 Strips)Also GreatJNW Direct (150 Strips)

Salt-Free Water Conditioner

Our PickSpringWell Salt-Free Cartridge

Learn more: Do I Need a Water Softener? | Salt-Based vs Salt-Free | 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 Woodsboro, MD (21798).

Submit Your Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water hard in Woodsboro, MD (21798)?

The average water hardness in 21798 is 120 PPM (7 GPG), which is classified as slightly hard.

Do I need a water softener in 21798?

At 120 PPM, your water is relatively soft. A water softener is generally not necessary.

Is hard water in 21798 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 21798?

Zip code 21798 in Woodsboro, Maryland is served by 3 water systems.