Beacon Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
10 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
8.2
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.009 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
452.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.46
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 Beacon, your appliances are currently losing 23% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Beacon | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -54% |
| Washing Machine | 7.2 yrs | 12 yrs | -40% |
| Water Heater | 8.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -42% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Beacon compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Beacon, New York | 172 mg/L | 8.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Newburgh, New York | 162.5 mg/L | 7.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Poughkeepsie, New York | 88 mg/L | 4.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Peekskill, New York | 144.5 mg/L | 7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Cortlandt Manor, New York | 160.5 mg/L | 7.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Beacon compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Beacon | 172 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Beacon's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Beacon, New York, in Dutchess County — a Dutchess County city adjacent to Newburgh across the Hudson River in the southeast New York Hudson Valley — receives its water from the City of Beacon Water Division, drawing from Fishkill Creek reservoir (Dutchess County) through the Hudson Valley distribution.
The hard 172 mg/L hardness and TDS of 452.1 mg/L reflect the southeast New York Hudson Highlands supply's hard calcareous character — driven by the Cambrian Wappinger Limestone dissolution in the Fishkill Creek watershed at Dutchess County. The Fishkill Creek watershed at Dutchess County drains the Hudson Highlands — Precambrian Reading Prong Gneiss (insoluble), Cambrian Wappinger Limestone (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Ordovician Martinsburg Shale (slightly calcareous), and Cambrian Poughquag Quartzite (insoluble — dilutant).
At 172 mg/L, Beacon's water is hard — scale builds steadily in kettles and appliances, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and water heaters should be descaled annually. Monthly descaling is recommended. The PFAS level of 8.2 ppt warrants a certified reverse osmosis drinking water filter — Stewart Air National Guard Base (Orange County — AFFF) and West Point Military Academy (Orange County — AFFF) contribute to Beacon's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Beacon in Dutchess County draws from the City of Beacon Water Division on Fishkill Creek reservoir (Dutchess County, southeast New York Hudson Valley) — the Fishkill Creek watershed drains the Hudson Highlands (Precambrian Reading Prong gneiss — insoluble, Cambrian Wappinger Limestone — calcareous) — New York Dutchess County Fishkill Creek Hudson Highlands calcareous watershed produces hard water at 172 mg/L with TDS 452.1 mg/L.