Colorado Triangle Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.6 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.006 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
253 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.30
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 Colorado Triangle, your appliances are currently losing 15% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Colorado Triangle | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -31% |
| Washing Machine | 9.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -22% |
| Water Heater | 11.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -26% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Colorado Triangle compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Colorado Triangle, District of Columbia | 113 mg/L | 7.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Brightwood, District of Columbia | 130 mg/L | 9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Central 14th Street / WMATA Northern Bus Barn, District of Columbia | 113 mg/L | 7.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Petworth, District of Columbia | 119.5 mg/L | 8.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Kennedy Street, District of Columbia | 113 mg/L | 7.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Colorado Triangle compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Colorado Triangle | 113 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Colorado Triangle's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Colorado Triangle, District of Columbia, in the District of Columbia — the northeast DC neighborhood adjacent to Fort Lincoln and Woodridge along the Anacostia River corridor — receives its water from DC Water, drawing from the Potomac River at the Dalecarlia and McMillan water treatment plants through the DC metropolitan distribution.
The moderately hard 113 mg/L hardness and TDS of 253 mg/L reflect the DC Potomac supply's moderately calcareous character — the Precambrian Blue Ridge Gneiss and other insoluble Appalachian formations dominate the upper Potomac watershed, while Ordovician Martinsburg Formation and Cambrian calcareous formations contribute modest dissolved minerals to the river (compare Fort Lincoln DC: 111/249 in DC comparable; Woodridge DC: 115/257 in DC comparable; Colorado Triangle consistent moderate from the same District of Columbia Potomac River Precambrian calcareous supply). The Potomac watershed — Precambrian Blue Ridge Gneiss (insoluble — primary dilutant), Ordovician Martinsburg Formation (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Quaternary Potomac alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 113 mg/L with TDS 253, Colorado Triangle's water is moderately hard — mild scale buildup in appliances. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 7.5 ppt is elevated — a certified drinking water filter is recommended. Review DC Water's annual water quality report for the latest monitoring data.
Geology & Source: Colorado Triangle in District of Columbia draws from DC Water on the Potomac River (District of Columbia, mid-Atlantic) — the Potomac watershed at DC drains Precambrian Blue Ridge Gneiss (insoluble) and Ordovician Martinsburg Formation (slightly calcareous) — District of Columbia Potomac River Precambrian calcareous supply produces moderately hard water at 113 mg/L with TDS 253 mg/L.