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Water Hardness in 98277

Oak Harbor, Washington · Island County

289 PPM
16.9 GPG
Very Hard
0Soft60120180300+
High Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Dataset updated March 9, 2026Matched to 22 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 22 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
22 USGS-backed sources
22 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 98277

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.

22 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.
Oak Harbor City Of
WA5362650
Very Hard
289 PPMsurface water23,767 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Naval Air Station/Whidbey Island
WA5303420
Very Hard
289 PPMsurface water16,595 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Rolling Hills-Glencairn
WA5374000
Very Hard
289 PPMgroundwater872 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
North Whidbey Water District
WA5361603
Very Hard
289 PPMsurface water568 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Penn Cove Water And Sewer District
WA5366950
Very Hard
289 PPMgroundwater460 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Showing the first 5 systems. Expand to review all matched systems.

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.

Very Hard Water - Treatment Strongly Recommended

Your water is very hard. Without treatment, you can expect significant scale buildup in pipes and appliances, higher energy bills from reduced water heater efficiency, and persistent issues with skin and hair dryness.

Recommended Products

Learn more: Do I Need a Water Softener? | Salt-Based vs Salt-Free | Size Calculator | 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 Oak Harbor, WA (98277).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water hard in Oak Harbor, WA (98277)?

The average water hardness in 98277 is 289 PPM (16.9 GPG), which is classified as very hard.

Do I need a water softener in 98277?

With hardness of 289 PPM, a water softener is recommended for homes in 98277.

Is hard water in 98277 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 98277?

Zip code 98277 in Oak Harbor, Washington is served by 22 water systems.

Learn More About Your Water