Ridge Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
9.6 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
8.2
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
417.8 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.44
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 Ridge, your appliances are currently losing 22% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Ridge | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -51% |
| Washing Machine | 7.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -38% |
| Water Heater | 9 yrs | 15 yrs | -40% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Ridge compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Ridge, New York | 164.5 mg/L | 7.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Rocky Point, New York | 67 mg/L | 3.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Manorville, New York | 152 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Shirley, New York | 121 mg/L | 5.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Mastic, New York | 169.5 mg/L | 8.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Ridge compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Ridge | 164.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Ridge's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Ridge, New York, in Suffolk County — a Suffolk County hamlet adjacent to Coram and Rocky Point in east-central Long Island — receives its water from the Suffolk County Water Authority, drawing from the Long Island Glacial Aquifer (Suffolk County) through the east-central Long Island distribution.
The hard 164.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 417.8 mg/L are notably harder than most Long Island communities (Nesconset: 153.5 mg/L; Hampton Bays: 118.5 mg/L) — reflecting Ridge's position in the east-central Suffolk County zone where the Pleistocene Ronkonkoma Moraine calcareous till is thicker and the longer aquifer residence time produces elevated TDS, typical of the deeper confined portions of the Long Island aquifer system in east Suffolk. The Long Island Glacial Aquifer at east Suffolk County — Pleistocene Ronkonkoma Moraine (calcareous — primary hardness contributor, thick calcareous till), Pleistocene stratified drift (slightly calcareous — TDS contributor from long residence), and Cretaceous Magothy Formation (insoluble — dilutant).
At 164.5 mg/L with TDS 418, Ridge's water is hard. A water softener is recommended to prevent scale buildup. A reverse osmosis system is advisable for drinking water. The PFAS level of 7.8 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — Calverton Naval Weapons Station (Suffolk County — former AFFF) and the east Suffolk industrial corridor contribute to Ridge's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Ridge in Suffolk County draws from the Suffolk County Water Authority on the Long Island Glacial Aquifer (Suffolk County, east-central Long Island, New York) — the aquifer is developed in Pleistocene Ronkonkoma moraine (calcareous) and Cretaceous Magothy Formation (insoluble) — New York Suffolk County Long Island east-central Pleistocene glacial aquifer produces hard water at 164.5 mg/L with TDS 417.8 mg/L.