Morrisania Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Morrisania, a neighborhood in the Bronx borough of New York City, is served by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The supply comes from 19 reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes across the Catskill/Delaware and Croton watersheds upstate, delivered via aqueducts to distribution points including the Hillview Reservoir in Westchester County. Treatment occurs at the Catskill and Delaware filtration plants; Croton water is filtered at the Croton plant, with blending throughout the system before water reaches Bronx consumers. The service area covers all five boroughs, serving approximately 9 million people daily.

The Catskill/Delaware watershed spans the Catskill Mountains and Delaware River basin, featuring predominantly metamorphic and sedimentary rocks — Devonian shales, sandstones, and granitic gneisses — that yield very soft water with low mineral content. The Croton watershed, east of the Hudson River, involves Paleozoic bedrock with limestone and dolomite outcrops that impart moderately mineralised character. No groundwater aquifers are used; surface water chemistry reflects these geological influences, producing a blend that ranges from soft to moderately hard depending on source mix and seasonal flows.

Moderately hard blended water can cause moderate scale buildup on fixtures, reducing efficiency in dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters over time. Maintenance tips include squeegeeing shower walls, applying vinegar soaks to remove deposits, and flushing water heaters annually. A water softener is optional but may benefit households with heavy appliance use. NYC water has a pH of 7.0–8.0; fluoride is added to approximately 0.7 mg/L, and PFAS levels are monitored and generally below advisory limits. The system complies with the Lead and Copper Rule through corrosion control and pipe replacement programs.