Ringwood Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
2.3 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.2
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
59.8 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.10
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 Ringwood, your appliances are currently losing 5% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Ringwood | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 8.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -2% |
| Washing Machine | 12.2 yrs | 12 yrs | — |
| Water Heater | 14 yrs | 15 yrs | -7% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Ringwood compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Ringwood, New Jersey | 39 mg/L | 5.1 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Oakland, New Jersey | 121 mg/L | 9.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Mahwah, New Jersey | 43 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Ramsey, New Jersey | 177.5 mg/L | 12.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| West Milford, New Jersey | 63 mg/L | 6.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Ringwood compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Ringwood | 39 mg/L | 🟢 None |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Ringwood's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Ringwood, New Jersey, in Passaic County — a Passaic County borough adjacent to Wanaque and Mahwah in the Ramapo Highlands of north New Jersey — receives its water from the Ringwood Water system, drawing from the Wanaque Reservoir or the Ringwood Highland aquifer (Passaic County) through the north New Jersey distribution.
The very soft 39 mg/L hardness and very low TDS of 59.8 mg/L reflect the north New Jersey Passaic County Ramapo Highlands supply's very soft granite character — the Precambrian Ringwood Granite and Losee Tonalite contribute insoluble dilution with negligible calcareous contact, among the softest water in New Jersey (compare Woodland Park NJ: 64.5/112 in Passaic County harder; Hamilton Square NJ: 77/142 in Mercer County harder; Ringwood among the very softest from the Ramapo Highlands insoluble granite). The Wanaque-Ringwood Highland at Passaic County — Precambrian Ringwood Granite (insoluble — primary dilutant), Precambrian Losee Tonalite (insoluble — secondary dilutant), and Quaternary Highland glacial outwash (insoluble — minor TDS).
At 39 mg/L, Ringwood's water is very soft — scale forms very slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and no softening is needed. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.1 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Passaic County north New Jersey military (former Ringwood Mines Superfund site) and industrial corridor contribute to Ringwood's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Ringwood in Passaic County draws from the Ringwood Water on the Wanaque Reservoir or Ringwood Highland aquifer (Passaic County, north New Jersey) — the Wanaque-Ringwood watershed drains Precambrian Ringwood Granite (insoluble) and Precambrian Losee Tonalite (insoluble) — New Jersey Passaic County Wanaque-Ringwood Precambrian insoluble granite supply produces very soft water at 39 mg/L with TDS 59.8 mg/L.