Hillsdale Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.5 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
188.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.25
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 Hillsdale, your appliances are currently losing 13% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Hillsdale | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -24% |
| Washing Machine | 10.1 yrs | 12 yrs | -16% |
| Water Heater | 11.8 yrs | 15 yrs | -21% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Hillsdale compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Hillsdale, New Jersey | 95 mg/L | 8.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Westwood, New Jersey | 67.5 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Pearl River, New York | 142.5 mg/L | 6.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Paramus, New Jersey | 137 mg/L | 10.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| New Milford, New Jersey | 100.5 mg/L | 8.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Hillsdale compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Hillsdale | 95 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Hillsdale's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Hillsdale, New Jersey, in Bergen County — a Bergen County borough adjacent to Park Ridge and River Vale in the northwest Bergen County suburbs — receives its water from United Water NJ or the Hackensack Water Company, drawing from the Hackensack River through the northeast New Jersey distribution.
The moderately hard 95 mg/L hardness and TDS of 188.2 mg/L reflect the Bergen County supply's moderate Triassic character — the Triassic Passaic Formation provides slightly calcareous mudstone mineral content, while the Precambrian Ramapo Mountains Gneiss provides insoluble dilution from the Ramapo headwaters (compare Park Ridge NJ: 92/181 in Bergen County comparable; River Vale NJ: 97/195 in Bergen County comparable; Hillsdale consistent moderate from the same Bergen County Hackensack River Triassic supply). The Hackensack watershed — Triassic Passaic Formation (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Precambrian Ramapo Mountains Gneiss (insoluble — primary dilutant), and Quaternary Hackensack River alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 95 mg/L with TDS 188, Hillsdale's water is moderately hard — mild scale buildup. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 8.3 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter. Review United Water NJ's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Hillsdale in Bergen County draws from the United Water on the Hackensack River supply (Bergen County, northeast New Jersey) — the Hackensack watershed draws from Triassic Passaic Formation (slightly calcareous) and Precambrian Ramapo Mountains Gneiss (insoluble) — New Jersey Bergen County Hackensack River Triassic supply produces moderately hard water at 95 mg/L with TDS 188.2 mg/L.