Wanaque Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
2.8 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
76.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.13
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 Wanaque, your appliances are currently losing 6% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Wanaque | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -6% |
| Washing Machine | 11.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -2% |
| Water Heater | 13.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -9% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Wanaque compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Wanaque, New Jersey | 47.5 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Pompton Lakes, New Jersey | 162.5 mg/L | 12 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Oakland, New Jersey | 121 mg/L | 9.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Kinnelon, New Jersey | 151.5 mg/L | 11.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Ringwood, New Jersey | 39 mg/L | 5.1 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Wanaque compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Wanaque | 47.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Wanaque's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Wanaque, New Jersey, in Passaic County — a Passaic County borough adjacent to Ringwood and Oakland in the Wanaque River valley of north New Jersey — receives its water from the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission, drawing from Wanaque Reservoir through the north New Jersey distribution.
The very soft 47.5 mg/L hardness and low TDS of 76.1 mg/L reflect the Passaic County Wanaque supply's very soft character — the Precambrian Highlands Gneiss of the New Jersey Highlands is highly insoluble, contributing negligible dissolved minerals to the Wanaque watershed snowmelt and rain runoff (compare Ringwood NJ: 45/72 in Passaic County comparable; Oakland NJ: 50/80 in Bergen County comparable; Wanaque consistent very soft from the same Passaic County Wanaque Reservoir Precambrian insoluble supply). The Wanaque watershed — Precambrian Highlands Gneiss (insoluble — primary dilutant), Cambrian Kittatinny Limestone (slightly calcareous — minor hardness contributor), and Quaternary glacial outwash (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 47.5 mg/L with TDS 76, Wanaque's water is very soft — virtually no scale buildup, excellent soap lathering. In older copper-piped homes, the soft water's gentle corrosivity may cause faint blue-green staining — annual plumbing checks are advisable. The PFAS level of 5.6 ppt is elevated — a certified drinking water filter is recommended. Review the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Wanaque in Passaic County draws from the North Jersey District Water Supply on Wanaque Reservoir (Passaic County, north New Jersey) — the Wanaque watershed drains Precambrian Highlands Gneiss (insoluble) and Cambrian Kittatinny Limestone (slightly calcareous) — New Jersey Passaic County Wanaque Reservoir Precambrian insoluble supply produces very soft water at 47.5 mg/L with TDS 76.1 mg/L.