Cheektowaga Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
7.2 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
265.8 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.33
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 Cheektowaga, your appliances are currently losing 16% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Cheektowaga | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -35% |
| Washing Machine | 9 yrs | 12 yrs | -25% |
| Water Heater | 10.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -29% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Cheektowaga compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Cheektowaga, New York | 123 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Depew, New York | 120.5 mg/L | 6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| West Seneca, New York | 152 mg/L | 7.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Eggertsville, New York | 67.5 mg/L | 3.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Amherst, New York | 119 mg/L | 5.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Cheektowaga compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Cheektowaga | 123 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Cheektowaga's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Cheektowaga, New York, in Erie County adjacent to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and the eastern Buffalo suburbs — one of the most populous towns in New York State — draws its municipal water supply from Lake Erie via the Erie County Water Authority (ECWA), which operates the Lake Erie intake and water treatment plant at Sturgeon Point in Evans, NY and distributes treated water throughout Erie County including Cheektowaga. Cheektowaga is served by the ECWA eastern Erie County suburban distribution network. Water hardness in Cheektowaga measures 123 mg/L — classified as moderately hard.
Cheektowaga's moderate hardness from Lake Erie source reflects the ECWA Erie County distribution system characteristics. Lake Erie water has accumulated moderate mineral content from its Great Lakes drainage basin — particularly from the Silurian–Devonian carbonate formations of the Niagara Escarpment and Ontario Peninsula that surround Lake Erie's southern shore. The ECWA distribution network serves Erie County through an infrastructure of varying pipe ages and sizes in the suburban Buffalo metropolitan area. The 123 mg/L reading in Cheektowaga is typical of the ECWA eastern Erie County zone — somewhat lower than some aging urban distribution networks on the same Lake Erie source, reflecting ECWA's relatively modern treatment and distribution infrastructure.
At 123 mg/L, Cheektowaga residents encounter moderate scale accumulation. Faucet aerators and showerheads develop deposits after several months — monthly cleaning with citric acid solution is practical maintenance. Erie County Water Authority consistently delivers water meeting all New York State DOH and EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Geology & Source: Lake supply from Lake Erie via the Erie County Water Authority (ECWA) — the Erie County Lake Erie intake distribution to the Cheektowaga–Buffalo eastern suburbs; moderately hard supply at 123 mg/L in Erie County — consistent with the ECWA eastern Erie County distribution zone.