01921 Water Hardness: Moderate

What This Means

Essex County, Massachusetts has moderately hard water, estimated at 84.8 mg/L (PPM). At this level, you may notice some mineral buildup on fixtures and inside appliances over time. A water softener is optional but can help extend appliance life. Most people don't notice significant issues at this hardness level.

What You Should Do

1

Monitor for minor effects. At 84.8 ppm, you may notice occasional water spots on dishes or light mineral buildup on fixtures over time.

2

Consider a shower filter if you notice dry skin or hair. A simple shower head filter ($15–40) can reduce mineral contact and improve skin and hair health.

3

A whole-house softener is optional at this level. If you want to prevent all scale buildup, a salt-free conditioner ($300–800) is a low-maintenance option.

Hardness Details

ZIP Code	01921
County	Essex
City	Boxford
State	Massachusetts (MA)
Hardness (PPM)	84.8 mg/L — Moderately Hard
Hardness (GPG)	5 grains/gallon
Classification	61 - 120 mg/L

Source: USGS Water Quality Portal, county-level median

Your Water Utility

Utility Name	FOUR MILE VILLAGE
System ID	MA3038001
Water Source	Ground water

ⓘ Your utility may treat water before delivery, which can change hardness levels. Check your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for exact hardness values.

USGS Monitoring Data

Monitoring Stations	133
Range	0 – 4740 mg/L
Most Recent Data	2024
Data Quality	Measured

Source: USGS Water Quality Portal

Effects at 84.8 PPM Hardness

At 84.8 ppm, some minor effects are possible: slight soap scum on shower doors, occasional water spots on dishes and glassware. Sensitive skin may notice dryness after showers. Appliance efficiency is minimally affected, but you may see light mineral deposits on faucets over time.

Is Boxford Water Safe to Drink?

Yes. Hard water at 84.8 ppm in Boxford is safe to drink. The calcium and magnesium that make water hard are actually essential minerals your body needs daily. The World Health Organization confirms there are no health-based guidelines for water hardness.

At this level, taste is generally good. Most people will not notice a mineral flavor, and the water is perfectly suitable for drinking, cooking, and making coffee or tea.

Your Water vs National Average

Boxford water at 84.8 ppm is 15% softer than the US average of approximately 100 ppm. This is close to the national average. While not urgently requiring treatment, monitoring for scale buildup is advisable.

Best Solution for 84.8 PPM Water

Consider a shower filter ($15–40) for skin and hair benefits. At 84.8 ppm, a KDF or vitamin C shower filter can reduce mineral contact during bathing. A whole-house salt-free conditioner ($300–800) is an optional but effective way to prevent minor scale buildup on fixtures and appliances without adding sodium to your water.

Essex County Water Hardness Map

Soft Moderate Hard Very Hard

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the water hardness for ZIP code 01921?

ZIP code 01921 is in Essex County, Massachusetts, with estimated water hardness of 84.8 mg/L (5 GPG), classified as moderately hard. The area is served by FOUR MILE VILLAGE.

Do I need a water softener in 01921?

With moderately hard water at 84.8 PPM, a water softener is optional. You may notice some minor scale buildup over time.

What county is ZIP code 01921 in?

ZIP code 01921 is in Essex County, Massachusetts (MA).

Is Boxford water hard or soft?

Boxford water is classified as moderately hard with an estimated hardness of 84.8 ppm (5 GPG). This is moderately hard — some minor mineral effects may be noticeable.

Is hard water in 01921 safe to drink?

Yes, hard water in ZIP code 01921 at 84.8 ppm is safe to drink. The calcium and magnesium minerals are actually beneficial for your health. At this level, the water tastes normal and requires no filtration for drinking purposes.

Will 84.8 PPM water damage my appliances?

At 84.8 ppm (moderately hard), minor scale buildup is possible over many years but significant appliance damage is unlikely. Regular descaling maintenance is sufficient.

Do I need a water softener in Essex County?

Essex County has moderately hard water at 84.8 ppm. A softener is optional but can help if you notice dry skin or minor scale.

Is Boxford water OK for aquariums and plants?

Generally yes. At 84.8 ppm, most freshwater fish and plants will do fine. Check species-specific requirements for sensitive fish.

ZIP Code 01921