Hackensack Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Hackensack Water Company, a subsidiary of United Water New Jersey (now part of Veolia), serves Hackensack and surrounding areas in Bergen County, NJ, with a population of about 45,000. Primary supply comes from the Hackensack River, sourced from the Hackensack Reservoir system including Lake Tappan and Woodale Reservoir, supplemented by purchases from New Jersey American Water's Wanaque Reservoir via the Wanaque-Mahwah Joint Meeting. Treatment occurs at the DeWitt Treatment Plant in Rochelle Park, NJ, with advanced filtration and disinfection including coagulation with alum, dual-media filtration, GAC for organics, UV disinfection, and fluoride addition.

The Hackensack River watershed spans 450 square miles across New York and New Jersey, draining the Watchung Mountains and Piedmont province. Geology features Triassic Newark Basin sedimentary rocks including the Boonton and Passaic Formations (red shales, sandstones), overlain by Jurassic diabase intrusives and glacial drift. No major karst aquifers exist; river water interacts with carbonate-bearing soils and minor limestone lenses, yielding moderately mineralised water that retains a hard supply character even after reservoir storage.

At this moderately hard level, users may notice moderate scale buildup in kettles, dishwashers, and water heaters, with occasional spotting on glassware and reduced soap lathering. Affected appliances include washing machines, coffee makers, and faucets, where efficiency drops over time. Maintenance: clean aerators monthly, descale appliances annually with vinegar, and use rinse aids. A water softener is optional but recommended for households with hard water concerns. Water quality meets EPA standards per annual Consumer Confidence Reports; no recent PFAS exceedances reported post-Granular Activated Carbon upgrades; pH typically 7.0–8.5.