Emerson Hill Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.9 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
143 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.22
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 Emerson Hill, your appliances are currently losing 11% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Emerson Hill | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -20% |
| Washing Machine | 10.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -13% |
| Water Heater | 12.3 yrs | 15 yrs | -18% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Emerson Hill compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Emerson Hill, New York | 83.5 mg/L | 4.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Arrochar, New York | 134 mg/L | 6.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Port Richmond, New York | 82.5 mg/L | 4.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Graniteville, New York | 79 mg/L | 3.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Bayonne, New Jersey | 183.5 mg/L | 13.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Emerson Hill compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Emerson Hill | 83.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Emerson Hill's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Emerson Hill, New York, in Richmond County — a Richmond County (Staten Island) neighborhood adjacent to Dongan Hills and Richmond on the central Staten Island ridge — receives its water from New York City DEP, drawing from the Catskill-Delaware system through the NYC water distribution network to Staten Island.
The moderately soft 83.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 143 mg/L are consistent with the NYCDEP Catskill-Delaware-served Staten Island communities (Port Richmond: 82.5 mg/L) — reflecting the uniform NYC water supply character. The NYC water from the Catskill-Delaware system drains the Catskill Mountains — Devonian Catskill Formation red sandstone (insoluble — primary catchment rock), Devonian Hamilton Formation (slightly calcareous shale — minimal hardness contributor), and Devonian Onondaga Limestone (trace calcareous — Delaware watershed margins).
At 83.5 mg/L, Emerson Hill's water is moderately soft — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and bathroom fixtures need occasional cleaning. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.1 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Richmond County Staten Island industrial waterfront corridor, Arthur Kill petrochemical corridor, and the NYC harbor PFAS background contribute to Emerson Hill's readings.
Geology & Source: Emerson Hill in Richmond County draws from New York City DEP on the Catskill-Delaware watershed (Richmond County, Staten Island) — the Catskill-Delaware delivers Devonian Catskill Formation sandstone (insoluble) snowmelt — New York Richmond County NYCDEP Catskill-Delaware watershed produces moderately soft water at 83.5 mg/L with TDS 143 mg/L in this Staten Island New York neighborhood.