Freehold Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
2.8 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
77 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.13
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 Freehold, your appliances are currently losing 6% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Freehold | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -6% |
| Washing Machine | 11.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -2% |
| Water Heater | 13.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -9% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Freehold compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Freehold, New Jersey | 48 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| West Freehold, New Jersey | 62 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Marlboro, New Jersey | 49.5 mg/L | 5.7 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Robertsville, New Jersey | 44 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Colts Neck, New Jersey | 113 mg/L | 9.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Freehold compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Freehold | 48 mg/L | 🟢 None |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Freehold's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Freehold, New Jersey, in Monmouth County — a Monmouth County borough adjacent to Manalapan and Howell in central New Jersey — receives its water from New Jersey American Water, drawing from Manasquan Reservoir through the central New Jersey distribution.
The very soft 48 mg/L hardness and low TDS of 77 mg/L reflect the Monmouth County Manasquan supply's very soft character — the Cretaceous Raritan Formation is a predominantly insoluble kaolinitic clay and quartz sand, and the Quaternary Coastal Plain sands contribute negligible dissolved minerals (compare Manalapan NJ: 46/74 in Monmouth County comparable; Howell NJ: 50/80 in Monmouth County comparable; Freehold consistent very soft from the same Monmouth County Manasquan Reservoir Cretaceous insoluble supply). The Manasquan watershed at Monmouth County — Cretaceous Raritan Formation (insoluble — primary dilutant), Quaternary Coastal Plain deposits (insoluble — secondary dilutant), and Holocene stream alluvium (insoluble — minimal TDS).
At 48 mg/L with TDS 77, Freehold's water is very soft — virtually no scale buildup. Residents in older homes should watch for faint corrosion staining from soft water. The PFAS level of 5.6 ppt is elevated — a certified drinking water filter is recommended — the Monmouth County central New Jersey military installations (Fort Monmouth legacy) and industrial sources contribute to Freehold's elevated PFAS readings. Review NJ American Water's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Freehold in Monmouth County draws from NJ American Water on Manasquan Reservoir (Monmouth County, central New Jersey) — the Manasquan watershed at Monmouth County drains Cretaceous Raritan Formation (insoluble) and Quaternary Coastal Plain deposits (insoluble) — New Jersey Monmouth County Manasquan Reservoir Cretaceous insoluble supply produces very soft water at 48 mg/L with TDS 77 mg/L.