Franklin Park Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
2.7 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
73.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.12
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 Franklin Park, your appliances are currently losing 6% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Franklin Park | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 8.1 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -5% |
| Washing Machine | 11.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -1% |
| Water Heater | 13.8 yrs | 15 yrs | -8% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Franklin Park compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Franklin Park, New Jersey | 46 mg/L | 5.5 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| North Brunswick, New Jersey | 116 mg/L | 9.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Somerset, New Jersey | 124.5 mg/L | 9.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| New Brunswick, New Jersey | 98 mg/L | 8.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Hillsborough, New Jersey | 94.5 mg/L | 8.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Franklin Park compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Franklin Park | 46 mg/L | 🟢 None |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Franklin Park's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Franklin Park, New Jersey, in Middlesex County — a Middlesex County community adjacent to New Brunswick and Bound Brook in central New Jersey — receives its water from New Jersey American Water, drawing from the Raritan River watershed reservoir (Middlesex County) through the central New Jersey distribution.
The soft 46 mg/L hardness and TDS of 73.2 mg/L reflect the central New Jersey Middlesex County Raritan watershed supply's soft character — driven by the insoluble Precambrian Highlands bedrock of the upper Raritan watershed producing very soft, low-TDS water; the slightly calcareous Triassic Brunswick Formation in the lower basin contributes minimal hardness. The Raritan watershed at Middlesex County — Precambrian New Jersey Highlands gneiss (insoluble — primary dilutant), Triassic Brunswick Formation (slightly calcareous — minor contributor), and Quaternary Raritan alluvium (slightly calcareous — trace TDS contributor).
At 46 mg/L, Franklin Park's water is soft — scale forms very slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and no softening is needed. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.5 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Middlesex County central New Jersey industrial corridor contribute to Franklin Park's readings.
Geology & Source: Franklin Park in Middlesex County draws from the New Jersey American Water on the Raritan River watershed reservoir (Middlesex County, central New Jersey) — the Raritan watershed at Middlesex County drains Precambrian Highlands (insoluble) and Triassic Brunswick Formation (slightly calcareous) — New Jersey Middlesex County Raritan reservoir Triassic-Precambrian slightly calcareous supply produces soft water at 46 mg/L with TDS 73.2 mg/L.