Colonia Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.5 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
237.1 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 Colonia, your appliances are currently losing 15% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Colonia | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -31% |
| Washing Machine | 9.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -21% |
| Water Heater | 11.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -26% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Colonia compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Colonia, New Jersey | 112 mg/L | 9.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Avenel, New Jersey | 176.5 mg/L | 12.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Iselin, New Jersey | 133 mg/L | 10.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Woodbridge, New Jersey | 77.5 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Rahway, New Jersey | 175.5 mg/L | 12.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Colonia compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Colonia | 112 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Colonia's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Colonia, New Jersey, in Middlesex County — an unincorporated Middlesex County community adjacent to Woodbridge and Rahway in the central New Jersey corridor — receives its municipal water from New Jersey American Water (NJAW), drawing from the Raritan River watershed through the NJAW treatment facilities in Middlesex County.
The moderately hard 112 mg/L hardness and TDS of 237.1 mg/L reflect the Raritan River supply's mixed Highlands-Triassic character — similar to other Middlesex County communities on the Raritan system. The Raritan River drains the New Jersey Highlands (Precambrian Reading Prong gneiss — insoluble crystalline) and the Triassic Newark Basin (Brunswick Formation calcareous redbeds — significant carbonate contribution), producing the moderate hardness characteristic of the central New Jersey Raritan supply.
At 112 mg/L, Colonia'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 9.2 ppt warrants a certified reverse osmosis drinking water filter — the Middlesex County industrial corridor, Raritan Arsenal (Middlesex County — legacy PFAS contamination), Fort Dix/McGuire AFB (Burlington County — AFFF), and the central New Jersey PFAS complex contribute to Colonia's very elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Colonia in Middlesex County draws from New Jersey American Water on the Raritan River watershed (Middlesex County) — the Raritan drains the New Jersey Highlands (Precambrian Reading Prong gneiss) and the Triassic Newark Basin (Brunswick Formation calcareous redbeds) — New Jersey Middlesex County Raritan River Triassic-Highlands watershed produces moderately hard water at 112 mg/L with TDS 237.1 mg/L in this Middlesex County New Jersey community.