Water Quality in Reading, PA
Reading's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 26 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.
Hardness Scale: Where Reading Falls
Reading's Berks County reservoir system produces soft water from eastern Pennsylvania metamorphic geology.
What Reading's Water Means for Your Home
Reading's water is slightly hard at 26 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 Reading, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.
Beyond hardness, Reading's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1.2 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO₃) | 26 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 74 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 3 ppt | 4 ppt (EPA) | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| Lead | 4 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (action level) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 1.2 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | 1 mg/L | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | ✓ OK |
Good news for ${esc(c.city)} residents. Your water quality is generally good. Most homes in this area do not need a water softener. If you have concerns about lead (especially in buildings constructed before 1986) or chlorine taste, a point-of-use filter is the most practical and cost-effective solution.
About Reading's Water Supply
Water Utility: City of Reading Water
Water Source: Maiden Creek Reservoir
Population Served: 95,112
Hardness: 26 PPM (1.5 grains per gallon)
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by City of Reading Water. 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 Reading to Other Pennsylvania Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Reading Water
Is Reading tap water safe to drink?
Do I need a water softener in Reading?
What water filter is best for Reading?
Where does Reading's water come from?
What is the hardness of Reading water in grains per gallon?
Does Reading water damage tankless water heaters?
Is Reading water safe for babies and infants?
Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the City of Reading Water Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.