Hardest Water in Pennsylvania
31 cities ranked by water hardness. Hanover tops the list at 170 PPM.
Pennsylvania's water hardness varies significantly by city and water source. The state average across our database is 97 PPM, which is moderately hard. Some cities need treatment while others do not. 39% of cities we track in Pennsylvania have hardness above 120 PPM.
Reading has the softest water at just 26 PPM. No softener is needed.
| # | City | PPM | GPG | Level | Softener? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hanover | 170 | 9.9 | Hard | Recommended |
| 2 | Camp Hill | 160 | 9.4 | Hard | Recommended |
| 3 | State College | 150 | 8.8 | Hard | Recommended |
| 4 | Pottstown | 150 | 8.8 | Hard | Recommended |
| 5 | Pittsburgh | 140 | 8.2 | Hard | Recommended |
| 6 | Coraopolis | 140 | 8.2 | Hard | Recommended |
| 7 | Erie | 130 | 7.6 | Hard | Recommended |
| 8 | Lancaster | 130 | 7.6 | Hard | Recommended |
| 9 | Greensburg | 130 | 7.6 | Hard | Recommended |
| 10 | Bethlehem Township | 125 | 7.3 | Hard | Recommended |
| 11 | Paoli | 120 | 7 | Hard | Recommended |
| 12 | Easton | 120 | 7 | Hard | Recommended |
| 13 | York | 115 | 6.7 | Moderately Hard | Optional |
| 14 | Butler | 110 | 6.4 | Moderately Hard | Optional |
| 15 | Philadelphia | 100 | 5.8 | Moderately Hard | Optional |
| 16 | West Chester | 100 | 5.8 | Moderately Hard | Optional |
| 17 | Doylestown | 100 | 5.8 | Moderately Hard | Optional |
| 18 | Wayne | 90 | 5.3 | Moderately Hard | Optional |
| 19 | Pittsburgh North | 90 | 5.3 | Moderately Hard | Optional |
| 20 | Kennett Square | 80 | 4.7 | Moderately Hard | Optional |
| 21 | Bethlehem | 62 | 3.6 | Moderately Hard | Optional |
| 22 | Harrisburg | 60 | 3.5 | Moderately Hard | Optional |
| 23 | Stroudsburg | 60 | 3.5 | Moderately Hard | Optional |
| 24 | Allentown | 57 | 3.3 | Slightly Hard | No |
| 25 | Upper Darby | 55 | 3.2 | Slightly Hard | No |
| 26 | Abington | 52 | 3 | Slightly Hard | No |
| 27 | Bensalem | 50 | 2.9 | Slightly Hard | No |
| 28 | Wilkes-Barre South | 50 | 2.9 | Slightly Hard | No |
| 29 | Wilkes-Barre | 48 | 2.8 | Slightly Hard | No |
| 30 | Scranton | 40 | 2.3 | Slightly Hard | No |
| 31 | Reading | 26 | 1.5 | Slightly Hard | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average water hardness in Pennsylvania?
Across 31 cities in our database, the average water hardness in Pennsylvania is 97 PPM (5.7 GPG). This ranges from 26 PPM in Reading to 170 PPM in Hanover.
Do I need a water softener in Pennsylvania?
It depends on your city. 39% of Pennsylvania cities in our database (12 of 31) have hardness above 120 PPM where a softener provides measurable benefit. Check your specific city above.
Which Pennsylvania city has the softest water?
Reading has the softest water in Pennsylvania at 26 PPM (1.5 GPG). No water softener is needed at this level.
What causes hard water in Pennsylvania?
Hard water in Pennsylvania is caused by dissolved calcium and magnesium from the local geology. Regional geology varies, with some areas having limestone bedrock that adds minerals and others with granite or sandstone that produces softer water.