Oneonta 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
188.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.27
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 Oneonta, your appliances are currently losing 13% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Oneonta | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -26% |
| Washing Machine | 9.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -17% |
| Water Heater | 11.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -23% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Oneonta compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Oneonta, New York | 100 mg/L | 4.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Utica, New York | 68.5 mg/L | 3.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Rome, New York | 67.5 mg/L | 3.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Fallsburg, New York | 98 mg/L | 4.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Binghamton, New York | 97.5 mg/L | 4.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Oneonta compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Oneonta | 100 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Oneonta's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Oneonta, New York, in Otsego County — an Otsego County city adjacent to Cooperstown and Delhi on the Susquehanna River headwaters in central New York — receives its water from the Oneonta Water Department, drawing from Wilber Park Reservoir (Otsego County) through the central New York distribution.
The moderately hard 100 mg/L hardness and TDS of 188.9 mg/L reflect the central New York Otsego County Catskill Mountain supply's moderate character — driven by the Devonian Catskill Formation insoluble shale watershed with calcareous contribution from Pleistocene glacial till and minor calcareous Devonian formations within the Catskill front. The Wilber Park Reservoir watershed at Otsego County drains the Catskill Mountains — Devonian Catskill Formation (insoluble — primary dilutant), Devonian Hamilton Group (slightly calcareous — minor contributor), and Pleistocene calcareous glacial till (calcareous — primary hardness contributor).
At 100 mg/L, Oneonta's water is moderately hard — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need occasional cleaning. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.9 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Otsego County central New York industrial corridor and the Susquehanna River basin legacy contribute to Oneonta's readings.
Geology & Source: Oneonta in Otsego County draws from the Oneonta Water Department on Wilber Park Reservoir (Otsego County, central New York) — the reservoir drains the Catskill Mountains (Devonian Catskill Formation — insoluble shale-sandstone) with minor calcareous glacial till — New York Otsego County Catskill Devonian shale reservoir produces moderately hard water at 100 mg/L with TDS 188.9 mg/L.