Van Ness 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
254.9 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 Van Ness, your appliances are currently losing 15% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Van Ness | 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 Van Ness compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Van Ness, District of Columbia | 113.5 mg/L | 7.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Mount Pleasant, District of Columbia | 110.5 mg/L | 7.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Adams Morgan, District of Columbia | 120.5 mg/L | 8.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Central 14th Street / WMATA Northern Bus Barn, District of Columbia | 113 mg/L | 7.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Central 14th Street / Spring Road, District of Columbia | 113 mg/L | 7.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Van Ness compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Van Ness | 113.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Van Ness's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Van Ness, District of Columbia, in the District of Columbia — a DC neighborhood adjacent to Tenleytown and Cleveland Park on the west side of Rock Creek Park in northwest Washington — receives its water from DC Water, drawing from the Potomac River and McMillan Reservoir through the Washington DC distribution.
The moderately hard 113.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 254.9 mg/L reflect the DC Water Potomac supply's moderate Piedmont-Blue Ridge character — the Cambrian Tomstown Formation contributes calcareous mineral content from its limestone and dolostone in the Shenandoah Valley corridor, while Precambrian Blue Ridge basement provides insoluble dilution from headwaters; DC's treatment process brings these values into the moderate range (compare Tenleytown DC: 110/248 in DC comparable; Cleveland Park DC: 115/261 in DC comparable; Van Ness consistent moderate from the same DC Potomac River Cambrian calcareous supply). The Potomac River supply — Cambrian Tomstown Formation (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Precambrian Blue Ridge Basement (insoluble — primary dilutant), and Quaternary Potomac River alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 113.5 mg/L with TDS 255, Van Ness' water is moderately hard — mild scale buildup. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 7.5 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter. Review DC Water's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Van Ness in District of Columbia draws from the DC Water on the Potomac River (District of Columbia, Washington DC) — the Potomac watershed draws from Cambrian Tomstown Formation (calcareous) and Precambrian Blue Ridge Basement (insoluble) — DC District of Columbia Potomac River Cambrian calcareous supply produces moderately hard water at 113.5 mg/L with TDS 254.9 mg/L.