Ocean City Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.6 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
240.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.30
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 Ocean City, your appliances are currently losing 15% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Ocean City | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -31% |
| Washing Machine | 9.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -22% |
| Water Heater | 11.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -26% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Ocean City compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Ocean City, New Jersey | 113 mg/L | 9.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Somers Point, New Jersey | 161.5 mg/L | 12 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Ventnor City, New Jersey | 35.5 mg/L | 4.9 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Pleasantville, New Jersey | 130.5 mg/L | 10.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Atlantic City, New Jersey | 100 mg/L | 8.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Ocean City compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Ocean City | 113 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Ocean City's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Ocean City, New Jersey, in Cape May County — a Cape May County barrier island resort city adjacent to Marmora and Sea Isle City on the New Jersey shore — receives its water from New Jersey American Water or Ocean City Municipal Utilities, drawing from the Atlantic City aquifer system through the south New Jersey distribution.
The moderately hard 113 mg/L hardness and TDS of 240.3 mg/L reflect the Cape May County Atlantic Coastal supply's moderate character — the Cretaceous Vincentown Formation is slightly calcareous greensand, while the Tertiary Cohansey Sand is insoluble, and the Atlantic City 800-foot aquifer contributes moderate dissolved mineral content from its deep confined marine sediments (compare Marmora NJ: 111/236 in Cape May County comparable; Sea Isle City NJ: 115/244 in Cape May County comparable; Ocean City consistent moderate from the same Cape May County Atlantic Coastal Cretaceous supply). The Atlantic City aquifer — Cretaceous Vincentown Formation (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Tertiary Cohansey Sand (insoluble — secondary dilutant), and Quaternary barrier island deposits (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 113 mg/L with TDS 240, Ocean City's water is moderately hard — mild scale buildup in appliances. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 9.3 ppt is very elevated — a certified drinking water filter with PFAS removal is strongly recommended — the Cape May County New Jersey military (former Naval Air Station Wildwood) and industrial sources contribute to Ocean City's elevated PFAS readings.
Geology & Source: Ocean City in Cape May County draws from the New Jersey American Water on the Atlantic Coastal aquifer (Cape May County, south New Jersey) — the Cape May Coastal Plain draws from Cretaceous Vincentown Formation (slightly calcareous) and Tertiary Cohansey Sand (insoluble) — New Jersey Cape May County Atlantic Coastal Cretaceous supply produces moderately hard water at 113 mg/L with TDS 240.3 mg/L.