Middlesex Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
3.8 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
114.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.17
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 Middlesex, your appliances are currently losing 9% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Middlesex | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.4 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -13% |
| Washing Machine | 11.2 yrs | 12 yrs | -7% |
| Water Heater | 13 yrs | 15 yrs | -13% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Middlesex compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Middlesex, New Jersey | 65.5 mg/L | 6.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Warren Township, New Jersey | 148.5 mg/L | 11.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Somerset, New Jersey | 124.5 mg/L | 9.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| South Plainfield, New Jersey | 129.5 mg/L | 10.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| North Plainfield, New Jersey | 110.5 mg/L | 9.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Middlesex compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Middlesex | 65.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
Bring Badger-quality water to your Middlesex home
Shop water softeners on Amazon.com →
What Makes Middlesex's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Middlesex, New Jersey, in Middlesex County — a Middlesex County borough adjacent to Bound Brook and Manville on the Raritan River in north-central New Jersey — receives its water from New Jersey American Water, drawing from the Raritan River or Spruce Run Reservoir (Middlesex County) through the north-central New Jersey distribution.
The moderately soft 65.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 114.3 mg/L are consistent with the upper Raritan Somerset County communities (Bradley Gardens: 59 mg/L) — reflecting the Middlesex County Raritan watershed's predominantly insoluble Precambrian gneiss highland input with minimal calcareous dissolution. The Raritan River at Middlesex County drains the New Jersey Highlands — Precambrian Losee Gneiss (insoluble — primary dilutant), Triassic Brunswick Formation (slightly calcareous — minor hardness contributor), and Cambrian calcareous formations (slightly calcareous).
At 65.5 mg/L, Middlesex's water is moderately soft — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and bathroom fixtures need occasional cleaning. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 6.6 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Middlesex County north-central New Jersey industrial corridor and Fort Dix/McGuire Air Force Base (Burlington County — AFFF) contribute to Middlesex's readings.
Geology & Source: Middlesex in Middlesex County draws from the New Jersey American Water on the Raritan River or Spruce Run Reservoir (Middlesex County, north-central New Jersey) — the Raritan at Middlesex County drains the New Jersey Highlands (Precambrian Losee Gneiss — insoluble) and Triassic Brunswick Formation (slightly calcareous) — New Jersey Middlesex County Raritan River Precambrian-Triassic watershed produces moderately soft water at 65.5 mg/L with TDS 114.3 mg/L.