What is Bangor water hardness in grains per gallon?

Bangor's water hardness is 2.6 grains per gallon (GPG), equivalent to 44 parts per million (PPM). 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.

Water Quality in Bangor, ME

Bangor's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 44 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

Bangor Water District · Source: Flood's Pond · Serves 31,753 residents

Hardness (PPM)

TDS (PPM)

Chlorine (mg/L)

PFAS (ppt)

Lead (ppb)

Hardness Scale: Where Bangor Falls

Soft 060120180250400+

Elevated lead

Bangor's pristine Flood's Pond is among the cleanest municipal water sources in the Northeast. Water is very soft from granite geology.

What Bangor's Water Means for Your Home

Bangor's water is slightly hard at 44 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Bangor, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Lead is the primary water quality concern for Bangor homes, especially those built before 1986 when lead solder was still legal in plumbing. At 7 ppb, Bangor's average lead level is above the health guideline of zero. Lead enters water from service lines and interior plumbing, not from the water source itself. Running cold water for 30 seconds before use reduces exposure, and a certified lead-reduction filter at the kitchen faucet provides ongoing protection.

Contaminant	Detected	Health Guideline	Legal Limit	Status
Hardness (as CaCO₃)	44 PPM	< 60 PPM	No federal limit	✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids	39 PPM	< 300 PPM	500 PPM	✓ OK
PFAS (total)	4 ppt	4 ppt (EPA)	4 ppt (2024)	✓ OK
Lead	7 ppb	0 ppb (no safe level)	15 ppb (action level)	⚠ Elevated
Chlorine / Chloramine	1 mg/L	Taste threshold ~1.0	4.0 mg/L	✓ Normal
Nitrate	1 mg/L	5 mg/L	10 mg/L	✓ OK

Recommendations for Bangor Homes

⚠️ Lead-Reduction Filter

Lead detected at 7 ppb. There is no safe level of lead in drinking water, and children are especially vulnerable. Lead typically enters water from old plumbing, not the source water. A point-of-use filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead is the most practical solution. If your home was built before 1986, testing is strongly recommended.

Learn more about this solution →

About Bangor's Water Supply

Water Utility: Bangor Water District

Water Source: Flood's Pond

Population Served: 31,753

Hardness: 44 PPM (2.6 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Bangor Water District. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Bangor to Other Maine Cities

Portland

10 PPM · Soft

Lewiston

37 PPM · Slightly Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Bangor Water

Is Bangor tap water safe to drink?

Bangor's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Lead levels are elevated. This is especially concerning in older buildings with lead service lines or lead solder. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.

Do I need a water softener in Bangor?

Probably not. At 44 PPM, Bangor's water is on the softer end. Most homes will not experience noticeable scale buildup. That said, if you have high-end fixtures, a glass shower enclosure, or a tankless water heater, even mild hardness can leave mineral deposits over time. A salt-free conditioner is a low-cost insurance policy in that case.

What water filter is best for Bangor?

The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For lead, look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification specifically for lead reduction. Point-of-use filters at the kitchen faucet are the most practical approach. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.

Where does Bangor's water come from?

Bangor's drinking water is sourced from Flood's Pond and treated by Bangor Water District. Bangor's pristine Flood's Pond is among the cleanest municipal water sources in the Northeast. Water is very soft from granite geology.

What is the hardness of Bangor water in grains per gallon?

Bangor's water hardness is 2.6 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 44 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as slightly hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.

Does Bangor water damage tankless water heaters?

At 2.6 GPG, Bangor's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.

Is Bangor water safe for babies and infants?

Lead is the primary concern for infants and young children. Bangor's lead level of 7 ppb is elevated. Run the cold water tap for 30 seconds before using it for formula or cooking, and consider a certified lead-reduction filter for the kitchen faucet.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Bangor Water District Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.