How does Dakota Ridge's water compare to the national average?

The USA national average is 151 mg/L. Dakota Ridge (≈ 0–59 mg/L) is 121 mg/L softer than average.

Dakota Ridge Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

soft

~0–59 mg/L

Soft

estimated · not lab-verified

Source

reservoir

pH Level

7.3

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.001 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

78.5 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

$0.08

energy & soap waste

Source: See methodology section below · Updated 2026

soft~0–59 mg/LSoft · est.

0–60

mg/L

Soft

61–120

mg/L

Moderately Hard

121–180

mg/L

Hard

180+

mg/L

Very Hard

Appliance Damage Report

In Dakota Ridge, your appliances are currently losing 4% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

Appliance	In Dakota Ridge	Soft Water City	Efficiency Loss
Kettle	8.2 yrs	8.5 yrs	-4%
Washing Machine	11.5 yrs	12 yrs	-4%
Water Heater	14.4 yrs	15 yrs	-4%

Regional Water Comparison

How Dakota Ridge compares to its nearest neighbours

City	Hardness	PFAS (ppt)	Risk	Source
▶ Dakota Ridge, Colorado	≈ 0–59 mg/L	2.1 ppt	🟢 Soft	reservoir
Ken Caryl, Colorado	≈ 120–179 mg/L	4.1 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir
Columbine, Colorado	≈ 120–179 mg/L	5.2 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir
Lakewood, Colorado	≈ 120–179 mg/L	11.3 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir
Littleton, Colorado	≈ 120–179 mg/L	3.1 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir

National Benchmark

How Dakota Ridge compares to the USA average

Benchmark	Hardness	Appliance Risk
▶ Dakota Ridge	≈ 0–59 mg/L	🟢 None
USA National Avg	151 mg/L	🟠 Moderate
Scarsdale Top Rated	0.02 mg/L	🟢 None

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What Makes Dakota Ridge's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: ReservoirTDS: 78.5 mg/LpH: 7.3

Dakota Ridge, Colorado, receives its water supply from the Dakota Ridge Metropolitan District or local water providers serving Jefferson County in the Denver metropolitan area. Primary sources are surface waters from the Front Range watershed, including streams and reservoirs along the South Platte River system. Treatment occurs at regional facilities managed by entities such as Denver Water or Metro District plants, with distribution to this suburban community west of Denver.

The Front Range watershed spans the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, where precipitation and snowmelt flow over Precambrian granitic gneisses and schists with sparse sedimentary overlays. This geology yields very soft water due to low concentrations of calcium and magnesium-bearing minerals; the absence of extensive limestone karst prevents significant mineralization during percolation through the watershed, preserving the supply's naturally low-mineral character.

Very soft water minimizes scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, kettles, and appliances, reducing maintenance needs and extending equipment life without the use of softeners. Soap and detergents lather easily, and no mineral spots appear on dishes or fixtures. A water softener is not recommended, as it could overly strip essential minerals; occasional vinegar rinses address any minor deposits from treatment additives. Water quality meets state and federal standards; treatment for the Front Range supply typically includes filtration, chlorination disinfection, and fluoridation, with very soft character reflecting the area's natural low mineralization.

Geology & Source: Front Range Rocky Mountains — Precambrian granitic gneisses and schists with sparse sedimentary overlay; minimal limestone or dolomite; low calcium and magnesium dissolution from non-calcareous igneous and metamorphic terrain produces very soft water

Other Colorado Water Reports

Ken Caryl

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Columbine

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Lakewood

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Littleton

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

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Notice an error or missing data? Help us keep this page accurate. If you spot incorrect water hardness, outdated utility info, or missing details, please let us know.

All reports are reviewed by our team. Thank you for supporting data quality!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dakota Ridge's water safe to drink?

Yes. Dakota Ridge's water meets all federal safety standards. The hardness is ≈ 0–59 mg/L (Soft), which is safe to drink. High hardness affects appliances and taste, but poses no health risk.

Do I need a water softener in Dakota Ridge?

Dakota Ridge's water is soft at ≈ 0–59 mg/L. A water softener is generally not necessary, though a carbon filter can improve taste and remove any remaining chlorine.

How does Dakota Ridge compare to the USA average?

The USA national average is 151 mg/L. Dakota Ridge (≈ 0–59 mg/L) is 121 mg/L below the national average. The softest major city is Scarsdale at just 0.02 mg/L.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for Dakota Ridge is derived from geographic and geological modelling of the surrounding region. No federal monitoring station data was available for this location.

Estimated

Water Hardness

Modelled estimate based on state-level USGS geological survey data for this region. No direct USGS Water Quality Portal measurement was matched to this city — the value reflects a statistical range calibrated to the state's dominant rock types and typical source water characteristics.

Estimated

Estimated from regional geology and source water characteristics. pH is correlated with water hardness and local bedrock — values may differ from utility-reported figures.

Estimated

TDS — Total Dissolved Solids

Estimated using a derived ratio from water hardness and regional conductance profiles. TDS in natural water correlates strongly with total mineral content including hardness ions.

Measured

PFAS — Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

EPA UCMR5 (5th Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 2023–2025) — sum of PFAS compounds detected at the public water system serving this city. A value of 0 indicates the system was sampled with no detection above reporting limits.

Modelled

Lead

Modelled estimate based on the EPA Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile tap-sample methodology. No publicly available per-city lead dataset with sufficient national coverage exists. Values are a conservative baseline derived from city population tier and infrastructure age — all estimates are maintained below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.

Calculated

Appliance Lifespan

Calculated from water hardness using a linear degradation model. Baseline lifespans represent soft-water performance (kettle: 8.5 yrs, washing machine: 12.0 yrs, water heater: 15.0 yrs). Hard water mineral scale progressively reduces operational life in direct proportion to hardness concentration.