Clark Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
212.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.28
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 Clark, your appliances are currently losing 14% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Clark | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -27% |
| Washing Machine | 9.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -18% |
| Water Heater | 11.5 yrs | 15 yrs | -23% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Clark compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Clark, New Jersey | 103.5 mg/L | 8.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Cranford, New Jersey | 124.5 mg/L | 9.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Rahway, New Jersey | 175.5 mg/L | 12.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Westfield, New Jersey | 66 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Avenel, New Jersey | 176.5 mg/L | 12.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Clark compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Clark | 103.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Clark's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Clark, New Jersey, in Union County — a Union County township adjacent to Rahway and Cranford in central New Jersey — receives its water from New Jersey American Water, drawing from the Rahway River or local reservoir (Union County) through the central New Jersey distribution.
The moderately hard 103.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 212.2 mg/L reflect the central New Jersey Union County supply's moderate Triassic Piedmont calcareous character — consistent with other Union County communities (Rahway: ~102 mg/L; Cranford: ~104 mg/L). The Rahway River watershed at Union County drains the New Jersey Piedmont and Watchung Ridges — Triassic Passaic Formation (calcareous redbed — primary hardness contributor), Triassic Brunswick Formation (calcareous redbed — secondary contributor), and Precambrian Watchung Basalt (insoluble dilutant). The Triassic calcareous redbeds produce the moderately hard central New Jersey supply.
At 103.5 mg/L, Clark's water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need periodic cleaning. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 8.8 ppt warrants a certified reverse osmosis drinking water filter — McGuire Air Force Base (Burlington County — AFFF), Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station (Ocean County — AFFF), and the central New Jersey Union County industrial corridor contribute to Clark's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Clark in Union County draws from the New Jersey American Water on Nomahegan Brook or Rahway River reservoir (Union County, central New Jersey) — the watershed drains the New Jersey Piedmont (Triassic Passaic Formation — calcareous) and Precambrian Watchung crystalline — New Jersey Union County Rahway River Triassic calcareous Piedmont watershed produces moderately hard water at 103.5 mg/L with TDS 212.2 mg/L.