Dupont Circle Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.3 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
115 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.20
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 Dupont Circle, your appliances are currently losing 10% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Dupont Circle | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -15% |
| Washing Machine | 10.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -9% |
| Water Heater | 12.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -15% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Dupont Circle compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Dupont Circle, District of Columbia | 73.5 mg/L | 4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Golden Triangle, District of Columbia | 113 mg/L | 7.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Adams Morgan, District of Columbia | 120.5 mg/L | 8.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Washington, District of Columbia | 75.5 mg/L | 4.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Foggy Bottom, District of Columbia | 83 mg/L | 4.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Dupont Circle compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Dupont Circle | 73.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Dupont Circle's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Dupont Circle, District of Columbia — one of the capital's most vibrant neighborhoods, centered on the iconic Dupont Circle fountain and known for its embassies, independent bookstores, and LGBTQ+ cultural heritage — receives its municipal water from DC Water (DC Water and Sewer Authority), drawing from the Potomac River and treating it at the Dalecarlia Water Treatment Plant in northwest Washington, near Georgetown. Dalecarlia is DC's oldest and historically primary treatment facility, serving the western and central districts of the city.
The moderately soft 73.5 mg/L hardness and low TDS of 115 mg/L are notably softer than the citywide DC average, reflecting the Dalecarlia plant's service zone's characteristic water profile and seasonal Potomac River variability. The Potomac River at the Dalecarlia intake in Georgetown reflects a watershed blend weighted toward the Blue Ridge Province and upper Piedmont Province — draining Precambrian metamorphic and granitic rocks of the Catoctin Formation, Shenandoah and Maryland Blue Ridge, and the crystalline Virginia Piedmont terrane — which produce naturally softer water than the carbonate-dominant Valley and Ridge tributaries (Shenandoah, Conococheague) that contribute to harder Potomac readings in some seasonal periods and at the downstream McMillan plant.
At 73.5 mg/L, Dupont Circle's water is moderately soft — comfortable for everyday use in this urban DC neighborhood. Scale forms slowly in kettles and appliances over many months, soap lathers well, and the dishwasher produces clean results without special treatment. Semi-annual descaling of heating appliances is adequate for Dupont Circle households. The PFAS level of 4.0 ppt is favorable for central DC — among the lower PFAS values in the district, reflecting DC Water's treatment effectiveness and the relatively clean upper Potomac watershed that supplies the Dalecarlia plant zone.
Geology & Source: Dupont Circle in the District of Columbia is served by DC Water drawing from the Potomac River at the Dalecarlia Water Treatment Plant — the Potomac above Georgetown drains the Blue Ridge Province and upper Piedmont over Precambrian metamorphic and crystalline rocks — Blue Ridge and Piedmont-dominant watershed drainage produces notably soft water at 73.5 mg/L in this northwest DC neighborhood.