Kew Gardens Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
9.1 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
8.1
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
384.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.42
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 Kew Gardens, your appliances are currently losing 21% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Kew Gardens | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -47% |
| Washing Machine | 7.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -35% |
| Water Heater | 9.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -37% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Kew Gardens compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Kew Gardens, New York | 156 mg/L | 7.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Richmond Hill, New York | 163 mg/L | 7.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Briarwood, New York | 132.5 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Kew Gardens Hills, New York | 93.5 mg/L | 4.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Forest Hills, New York | 129 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Kew Gardens compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Kew Gardens | 156 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Kew Gardens's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Kew Gardens, New York, in Queens — a Queens neighborhood adjacent to Forest Hills and Richmond Hill, the Queens Borough Hall area, a quiet residential enclave along the Long Island Railroad Forest Hills-Jamaica corridor — receives its municipal water from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), drawing from the Catskill-Delaware Aqueduct system through the NYC distribution network.
The moderately hard 156 mg/L hardness and TDS of 384.1 mg/L are consistent with the Queens zone of the NYC distribution system — essentially the same Catskill-Delaware blend as all of NYC (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx all receive the same aqueduct blend). The Catskill System (Ashokan and Schoharie Reservoirs — Devonian Catskill Formation sandstone) blended with the Delaware System (Cannonsville, Pepacton, Neversink, Rondout — Devonian sandstone and Helderberg Limestone) produces the moderately hard water characteristic of the NYC supply.
At 156 mg/L, Kew Gardens' water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and bathroom fixtures develop calcium deposits. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 7.5 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Jamaica Bay industrial corridor, JFK International Airport (Queens — major AFFF user), the Queens industrial-manufacturing legacy, and the NYC distribution system PFAS background contribute to Kew Gardens' readings.
Geology & Source: Kew Gardens in Queens draws from the NYC DEP on the Catskill-Delaware Aqueduct system (Catskill Mountains reservoirs — Ashokan and Cannonsville) — the Catskill and Delaware watersheds drain Devonian Catskill Formation sandstone and Devonian-Silurian Helderberg Group limestone — NYC Catskill-Delaware Devonian sandstone and limestone watershed produces moderately hard water at 156 mg/L with TDS 384 mg/L in this Queens New York neighborhood.