Oneida Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.8 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
185.4 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.26
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 Oneida, your appliances are currently losing 13% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Oneida | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -26% |
| Washing Machine | 10 yrs | 12 yrs | -17% |
| Water Heater | 11.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -22% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Oneida compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Oneida, New York | 98.5 mg/L | 4.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Rome, New York | 67.5 mg/L | 3.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Utica, New York | 68.5 mg/L | 3.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Cicero, New York | 140 mg/L | 6.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Syracuse, New York | 109 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Oneida compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Oneida | 98.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Oneida's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Oneida, New York, in Madison County — a Madison County city adjacent to Canastota and Chittenango near Oneida Lake in central New York — receives its water from the City of Oneida Water Department, drawing from the Oneida Lake watershed through the central New York distribution.
The moderately hard 98.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 185.4 mg/L reflect the Madison County Oneida Lake supply's moderate character — the Ordovician Utica Shale and Cambrian Potsdam Sandstone are largely insoluble formations in the Mohawk Valley geological sequence, but calcareous mineral content from the Ordovician Trenton Limestone and glacial till contributes to the moderate hardness (compare Canastota NY: 96/180 in Madison County comparable; Chittenango NY: 100/190 in Madison County comparable; Oneida consistent moderate from the same Madison County Oneida Lake watershed Ordovician insoluble supply). The Oneida Lake watershed — Ordovician Utica Shale (insoluble — primary dilutant), Cambrian Potsdam Sandstone (insoluble — secondary dilutant), and Quaternary Oneida Lake glacial sediment (calcareous — hardness contributor).
At 98.5 mg/L with TDS 185, Oneida's water is moderately hard — mild scale buildup. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.9 ppt is moderate — a certified drinking water filter provides added protection. Review the City of Oneida's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Oneida in Madison County draws from the City of Oneida Water on the Oneida Lake watershed (Madison County, central New York) — the Oneida Lake watershed drains Ordovician Utica Shale (insoluble) and Cambrian Potsdam Sandstone (insoluble) — New York Madison County Oneida Lake watershed Ordovician insoluble supply produces moderately hard water at 98.5 mg/L with TDS 185.4 mg/L.