Hagerstown vs Salisbury Water Quality
Side-by-side water quality comparison for two Maryland cities.
If you are comparing Hagerstown and Salisbury water quality - whether moving, choosing between the two, or curious about a relative's water - here is what the data shows.
Hardness comparison
Hagerstown has significantly harder water at 110 PPM versus Salisbury at 30 PPM, a difference of 80 PPM. Salisbury residents generally do not need any water softening equipment.
Water sources and why they differ
Water sources differ: Hagerstown draws from Antietam Creek & wells, while Salisbury uses Wicomico River & wells. Both use similar source types, but local geology creates the hardness variation.
Contaminant concerns
PFAS contamination is a concern in Salisbury (PFOA at 5.9 ppt and PFOS at 13.75 ppt, above the EPA limit of 4 ppt each). A reverse osmosis system or NSF P473-certified filter is recommended for drinking water.
What this means for you
Chlorine levels are higher in Salisbury at 1.6 mg/L. If the taste bothers you, a carbon filter or shower filter is an easy fix.
Not sure what your specific situation needs? Take the quiz to get a recommendation based on your water data, budget, and household size.
| Metric | Hagerstown | Salisbury |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 110 PPM | 30 PPM |
| GPG | 6.4 | 1.8 |
| TDS | 152 PPM | 49 PPM |
| PFAS | 0 ppt | 37.3 ppt |
| Lead | 0.8 ppb | 3 ppb |
| Chlorine | 0.7 mg/L | 1.6 mg/L |
| Level | Moderately Hard | Slightly Hard |