Johnson City Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
7.6 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.9
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.006 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
285.8 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.35
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 Johnson City, your appliances are currently losing 17% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Johnson City | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -38% |
| Washing Machine | 8.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -27% |
| Water Heater | 10.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -31% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Johnson City compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Johnson City, New York | 129.5 mg/L | 6.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Binghamton, New York | 97.5 mg/L | 4.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Endicott, New York | 83.5 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Vestal, New York | 78.5 mg/L | 3.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Cortland, New York | 73 mg/L | 3.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Johnson City compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Johnson City | 129.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Johnson City's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Johnson City, New York, in Broome County — a Broome County village adjacent to Binghamton and Endicott on the Susquehanna River in the Binghamton metro — receives its municipal water from the Johnson City Water Division or Binghamton Water Department, drawing from the Susquehanna River (Broome County) through the south-central New York water treatment system.
The moderately hard 129.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 285.8 mg/L reflect the south-central New York Susquehanna River supply's moderate Devonian calcareous character — consistent with other Susquehanna-served Broome County communities (Binghamton: ~128 mg/L; Endicott: ~130 mg/L). The Susquehanna River at Broome County drains the Allegheny Plateau — Devonian Hamilton Group (calcareous shale — primary hardness contributor), Devonian Onondaga Limestone (calcareous), and Devonian Tully Limestone (calcareous). The Devonian Hamilton calcareous shale produces the moderately hard Binghamton metro supply.
At 129.5 mg/L, Johnson City's water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need periodic cleaning. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 6.3 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Broome County Binghamton industrial corridor (former Endicott-Johnson shoe industry) and the Susquehanna River PFAS background from the south-central New York industrial complex contribute to Johnson City's readings.
Geology & Source: Johnson City in Broome County draws from the Binghamton Water Department or Johnson City Water Division on the Susquehanna River (Broome County, south-central New York) — the Susquehanna at Broome County drains the Allegheny Plateau (Devonian Hamilton Group calcareous shale, Devonian Onondaga Limestone) — New York Broome County Susquehanna River Devonian calcareous watershed produces moderately hard water at 129.5 mg/L with TDS 285.8 mg/L.