Glens Falls Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
10.5 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
8.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.009 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
483.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.48
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 Glens Falls, your appliances are currently losing 24% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Glens Falls | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -56% |
| Washing Machine | 7 yrs | 12 yrs | -42% |
| Water Heater | 8.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -44% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Glens Falls compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Glens Falls, New York | 179 mg/L | 8.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Queensbury, New York | 139 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Wilton, New York | 74 mg/L | 3.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Saratoga Springs, New York | 160 mg/L | 7.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Clifton Park, New York | 153.5 mg/L | 7.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Glens Falls compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Glens Falls | 179 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Glens Falls's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Glens Falls, New York, in Warren County — a Warren County city adjacent to South Glens Falls and Queensbury on the Hudson River in the northeast New York Adirondack foothills — receives its water from the Glens Falls Water Division, drawing from local reservoirs and the Hudson River watershed (Warren County) through the northeast New York distribution.
The hard 179 mg/L hardness and TDS of 483.2 mg/L are harder than would be expected for an Adirondack foothills supply — reflecting the Glens Falls supply's significant Cambrian-Ordovician calcareous formation contribution at the Warren County Hudson River valley position (the Adirondack Highland runoff mixes with the calcareous valley sediments). The Glens Falls watershed at Warren County — Precambrian Adirondack Grenville Gneiss (insoluble), Cambrian Potsdam Sandstone (insoluble), Ordovician Black River Limestone (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Ordovician Trenton Limestone (calcareous — secondary contributor) at the valley margins.
At 179 mg/L, Glens Falls' 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 8.5 ppt warrants a certified reverse osmosis drinking water filter — Fort Drum (Jefferson County — AFFF) and the northeast New York Adirondack foothills industrial corridor contribute to Glens Falls' elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Glens Falls in Warren County draws from the Glens Falls Water Division on Fountain Pond and local reservoir (Warren County, northeast New York Adirondack foothills) — the watershed drains the Adirondack Highlands (Precambrian Grenville Gneiss — insoluble) with Ordovician Black River Limestone (calcareous) at the Hudson River valley margins — New York Warren County Adirondack-Ordovician calcareous watershed produces hard water at 179 mg/L with TDS 483.2 mg/L.