Lone Tree Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.3 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
173.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.24
energy & soap waste
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal · Updated 2026
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 Lone Tree, your appliances are currently losing 12% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Lone Tree | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -22% |
| Washing Machine | 10.2 yrs | 12 yrs | -15% |
| Water Heater | 12 yrs | 15 yrs | -20% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Lone Tree compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Lone Tree, Colorado | 91 mg/L | 3.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Centennial, Colorado | 101.5 mg/L | 3.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Castlewood, Colorado | 93 mg/L | 3.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Southglenn, Colorado | 100.5 mg/L | 3.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Highlands Ranch, Colorado | 135.5 mg/L | 4.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Lone Tree compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Lone Tree | 91 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Lone Tree's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Lone Tree, Colorado, in Douglas County — a Douglas County city adjacent to Parker and Highlands Ranch in the south Denver suburb — receives its water from Denver Water or Centennial Water, drawing from Cheesman Reservoir (Douglas County) through the south Denver metro distribution.
The moderately soft 91 mg/L hardness and TDS of 173.7 mg/L reflect the south Denver metro Douglas County South Platte supply's moderate character — the Front Range Precambrian granite and Cretaceous formations contribute minimal calcareous dissolution, producing the characteristic moderately soft water of the Denver metro South Platte corridor (compare Parker CO nearby communities at similar hardness). The South Platte-Cheesman supply at Douglas County — Precambrian Pike's Peak Granite (insoluble — primary dilutant from Front Range), Cretaceous Denver Formation (slightly calcareous — minor hardness contributor), and Quaternary South Platte alluvium (slightly calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 91 mg/L, Lone Tree's water is moderately soft — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and no softening is needed. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 3.3 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Douglas County south Denver metro military and industrial corridor contribute to Lone Tree's readings.
Geology & Source: Lone Tree in Douglas County draws from the Denver Water or Centennial Water on Cheesman Reservoir (Douglas County, south Denver suburb, Colorado) — the South Platte watershed at Douglas County drains the Front Range (Precambrian Pike's Peak Granite — insoluble) and Cretaceous Denver Formation (slightly calcareous) — Colorado Douglas County South Platte-Cheesman Precambrian-Cretaceous supply produces moderately soft water at 91 mg/L with TDS 173.7 mg/L.