ZIP Code 21520
Garrett County, Maryland — Accident
What This Means
Garrett County, Maryland has moderately hard water, estimated at 62 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
Hardness Details
| ZIP Code | 21520 |
| County | Garrett |
| City | Accident |
| State | Maryland (MD) |
| Hardness (PPM) | 62 mg/L — Moderately Hard |
| Hardness (GPG) | 3.6 grains/gallon |
| Classification | 61 - 120 mg/L |
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal, county-level median
Your Water Utility
| Utility Name | TOWN OF ACCIDENT |
| System ID | MD0110001 |
| 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 | 228 |
| Range | 0.9 – 2440 mg/L |
| Most Recent Data | 2023 |
| Data Quality | Measured |
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal
Effects at 62 PPM Hardness
At 62 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 Accident Water Safe to Drink?
Yes. Hard water at 62 ppm in Accident 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
Accident water at 62 ppm is 38% 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 62 PPM Water
Consider a shower filter ($15–40) for skin and hair benefits. At 62 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.
Garrett County Water Hardness Map
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Nearby ZIP Codes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water hardness for ZIP code 21520?
ZIP code 21520 is in Garrett County, Maryland, with estimated water hardness of 62 mg/L (3.6 GPG), classified as moderately hard. The area is served by TOWN OF ACCIDENT.
Do I need a water softener in 21520?
With moderately hard water at 62 PPM, a water softener is optional. You may notice some minor scale buildup over time.
What county is ZIP code 21520 in?
ZIP code 21520 is in Garrett County, Maryland (MD).
Is Accident water hard or soft?
Accident water is classified as moderately hard with an estimated hardness of 62 ppm (3.6 GPG). This is moderately hard — some minor mineral effects may be noticeable.
Is hard water in 21520 safe to drink?
Yes, hard water in ZIP code 21520 at 62 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 62 PPM water damage my appliances?
At 62 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 Garrett County?
Garrett County has moderately hard water at 62 ppm. A softener is optional but can help if you notice dry skin or minor scale.
Is Accident water OK for aquariums and plants?
Generally yes. At 62 ppm, most freshwater fish and plants will do fine. Check species-specific requirements for sensitive fish.