Port Richmond Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.8 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
140.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.22
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 Port Richmond, your appliances are currently losing 11% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Port Richmond | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -19% |
| Washing Machine | 10.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -13% |
| Water Heater | 12.3 yrs | 15 yrs | -18% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Port Richmond compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Port Richmond, New York | 82.5 mg/L | 4.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Graniteville, New York | 79 mg/L | 3.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Mariners Harbor, New York | 160 mg/L | 7.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Bayonne, New Jersey | 183.5 mg/L | 13.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Emerson Hill, New York | 83.5 mg/L | 4.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Port Richmond compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Port Richmond | 82.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Port Richmond's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Port Richmond, New York, in Richmond County — a Richmond County (Staten Island) neighborhood adjacent to Mariners Harbor and Elm Park on the north shore of Staten Island — receives its water from New York City DEP, drawing from the Catskill-Delaware system through the NYC water distribution network to Staten Island.
The moderately soft 82.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 140.3 mg/L are consistent with the NYCDEP Catskill-Delaware-served NYC communities (Manhattan: 79 mg/L; Bronx: ~80 mg/L) — reflecting the uniform NYC water supply character. The NYC water from the Catskill-Delaware system drains the Catskill Mountains — Devonian Catskill Formation red sandstone (insoluble), Devonian Hamilton Formation (slightly calcareous shale — minimal hardness contributor), and Devonian Onondaga Limestone (calcareous — trace hardness at the Delaware watershed margins). The predominantly insoluble Catskill sandstone produces the moderately soft NYC metro supply.
At 82.5 mg/L, Port Richmond's water is moderately soft — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and bathroom fixtures need occasional cleaning. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.1 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Richmond County Staten Island industrial waterfront corridor, Arthur Kill petrochemical complex, and the NYC harbor PFAS background contribute to Port Richmond's readings.
Geology & Source: Port Richmond in Richmond County draws from New York City DEP on the Catskill-Delaware and Croton watersheds (Richmond County, Staten Island) — the Catskill-Delaware drains the Catskill Mountains (Devonian Catskill Formation sandstone — insoluble) — New York Richmond County NYCDEP Catskill-Delaware watershed produces moderately soft water at 82.5 mg/L with TDS 140.3 mg/L in this Staten Island New York neighborhood.