Clifton Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) serves Clifton, New Jersey, providing water to Passaic County and surrounding areas including Paterson and Passaic City — over 2 million residents across multiple municipalities. PVWC sources water primarily from the Great Piece Meadows intake on the Passaic River, supplemented by the Two Bridges and Little Falls reservoirs, with additional groundwater from regional wells. Treatment occurs at the Preakness Mill Treatment Plant using coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, chloramination, and fluoride addition; the utility maintains a mixed supply to ensure reliability during droughts or high demand periods.

The Passaic River watershed, spanning the Watchung Mountains and Newark Basin, shapes Clifton's water chemistry through its Triassic geology — the Passaic Formation's red beds and Brunswick Group shales release mineral ions into the supply. Glacial till and basaltic outcrops from ancient volcanic activity contribute baseline chemistry, while fractured Newark Basin aquifers recharge with elevated mineral content from limestone-bearing strata. Precipitation and river flow dilute ions seasonally, but consistent bedrock contact maintains a moderately mineralised character, with total dissolved solids around 510 ppm.

Moderately hard water promotes scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, reducing efficiency and lifespan while increasing energy costs. Soap lathering is reduced, leading to higher detergent use and potential dry skin or dull hair. Maintenance includes cleaning aerators, installing scale-inhibiting filters, and flushing water heaters annually; a water softener is recommended for households noticing spotting on glassware or film on fixtures. PVWC's Consumer Confidence Reports confirm EPA lead and copper compliance via corrosion control, with PFAS monitoring ongoing below advisory thresholds and pH maintained at 7.0–8.5.