Short Hills Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.8 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
252.6 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.31
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 Short Hills, your appliances are currently losing 16% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Short Hills | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -33% |
| Washing Machine | 9.3 yrs | 12 yrs | -22% |
| Water Heater | 10.9 yrs | 15 yrs | -27% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Short Hills compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Short Hills, New Jersey | 117 mg/L | 9.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Millburn, New Jersey | 111 mg/L | 9.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Springfield, New Jersey | 136 mg/L | 10.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Livingston, New Jersey | 181.5 mg/L | 13.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Summit, New Jersey | 146 mg/L | 11.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Short Hills compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Short Hills | 117 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
Bring Badger-quality water to your Short Hills home
Shop water softeners on Amazon.com →
What Makes Short Hills's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Short Hills, New Jersey, in Essex County — an Essex County community adjacent to Millburn and Livingston in north New Jersey — receives its water from New Jersey American Water, drawing from Canoe Brook Reservoir (Essex County) through the north New Jersey distribution.
The moderately hard 117 mg/L hardness and TDS of 252.6 mg/L reflect the north New Jersey Essex County Highlands supply's moderate calcareous character — similar to Oakland NJ (121 mg/L; Bergen County Wanaque) reflecting the same north New Jersey Highlands water source where Precambrian gneiss insoluble runoff is moderated by Triassic Newark Basin calcareous input. The Canoe Brook watershed at Essex County — Triassic Newark Basin (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Precambrian Reading Prong gneiss (insoluble — dilutant), and Cambrian calcareous contacts (slightly calcareous — secondary contributor).
At 117 mg/L, Short Hills' water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need periodic cleaning. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 9.5 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Essex County north New Jersey industrial corridor contribute to Short Hills' elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Short Hills in Essex County draws from the New Jersey American Water on Canoe Brook Reservoir (Essex County, north New Jersey) — the Canoe Brook watershed at Essex County drains the New Jersey Highlands (Precambrian Reading Prong gneiss — insoluble) and Triassic Newark Basin (slightly calcareous) — New Jersey Essex County Canoe Brook Precambrian-Triassic Highlands supply produces moderately hard water at 117 mg/L with TDS 252.6 mg/L.