New Providence Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.9 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
206.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.27
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 New Providence, your appliances are currently losing 14% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In New Providence | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -26% |
| Washing Machine | 9.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -18% |
| Water Heater | 11.5 yrs | 15 yrs | -23% |
Regional Water Comparison
How New Providence compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ New Providence, New Jersey | 101.5 mg/L | 8.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Summit, New Jersey | 146 mg/L | 11.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Berkeley Heights, New Jersey | 43.5 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Scotch Plains, New Jersey | 108 mg/L | 9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Madison, New Jersey | 41.5 mg/L | 5.3 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How New Providence compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ New Providence | 101.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes New Providence's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
New Providence, New Jersey, in Union County — a Union County borough adjacent to Summit and Berkeley Heights in north-central New Jersey — receives its water from the New Jersey American Water, drawing from the Raritan River or Round Valley Reservoir (Union County) through the north-central New Jersey distribution.
The moderately soft 101.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 206.2 mg/L reflect the north-central New Jersey Union County Raritan-Round Valley supply's moderately soft Highlands character — the Precambrian Highlands Gneiss insoluble and Cambrian Kittatinny Limestone slightly calcareous contacts produce moderate water typical of the Union County NJ American Water communities (compare Hamilton Square NJ: 77/142 in Mercer County softer; Cedar Grove NJ: 87/167 in Essex County comparable; New Providence slightly harder from the Raritan calcareous draw). The Raritan-Round Valley system at Union County — Precambrian Highlands Gneiss (insoluble — primary dilutant), Cambrian Kittatinny Limestone (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Quaternary Raritan alluvium (slightly calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 101.5 mg/L with TDS 206, New Providence's water is moderately soft. Appliances last well with standard maintenance. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 8.6 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Union County north-central New Jersey pharmaceutical and industrial corridor contribute to New Providence's elevated PFAS readings.
Geology & Source: New Providence in Union County draws from the New Jersey American Water on the Raritan River (Union County, north-central New Jersey) — the Raritan-Round Valley watershed drains the New Jersey Highlands (Precambrian Highlands Gneiss — insoluble) and Cambrian Kittatinny Limestone (slightly calcareous) — New Jersey Union County Raritan Precambrian insoluble supply produces moderately soft water at 101.5 mg/L with TDS 206.2 mg/L.