Hardest Water in Maine
8 cities ranked by water hardness. Bangor tops the list at 44 PPM.
Maine's water hardness varies significantly by city and water source. The state average across our database is 22 PPM, which is relatively soft. Most homes do not need a water softener. 0% of cities we track in Maine have hardness above 120 PPM.
Portland has the softest water at just 10 PPM. No softener is needed.
| # | City | PPM | GPG | Level | Softener? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bangor | 44 | 2.6 | Slightly Hard | No |
| 2 | Lewiston | 37 | 2.2 | Slightly Hard | No |
| 3 | Augusta | 20 | 1.2 | Slightly Hard | No |
| 4 | Auburn | 18 | 1.1 | Slightly Hard | No |
| 5 | Waterville | 16 | 0.9 | Soft | No |
| 6 | Biddeford | 15 | 0.9 | Soft | No |
| 7 | South Portland | 12 | 0.7 | Soft | No |
| 8 | Portland | 10 | 0.6 | Soft | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average water hardness in Maine?
Across 8 cities in our database, the average water hardness in Maine is 22 PPM (1.3 GPG). This ranges from 10 PPM in Portland to 44 PPM in Bangor.
Do I need a water softener in Maine?
It depends on your city. 0% of Maine cities in our database (0 of 8) have hardness above 120 PPM where a softener provides measurable benefit. Check your specific city above.
Which Maine city has the softest water?
Portland has the softest water in Maine at 10 PPM (0.6 GPG). No water softener is needed at this level.
What causes hard water in Maine?
Hard water in Maine is caused by dissolved calcium and magnesium from the local geology. Most of the state has favorable geology with granite, metamorphic, or volcanic rock that contributes minimal dissolved minerals.