Rye Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.1 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
150.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.23
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 Rye, your appliances are currently losing 12% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Rye | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -21% |
| Washing Machine | 10.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -13% |
| Water Heater | 12.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -19% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Rye compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Rye, New York | 86.5 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Port Chester, New York | 82 mg/L | 4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Harrison, New York | 126 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Mamaroneck, New York | 148 mg/L | 7.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Greenwich, Connecticut | 33.5 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Rye compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Rye | 86.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Rye's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Rye, New York, in Westchester County — a Westchester County city adjacent to Port Chester and Harrison on Long Island Sound in south Westchester — receives its municipal water from United Water New York (now Suez), drawing from Rye Lake (Westchester County) and the Byram Lake watershed through the south Westchester water treatment system.
The moderately soft 86.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 150.5 mg/L reflect the south Westchester watershed's moderate calcareous Hudson Highland character — harder than the NYCDEP Delaware-Catskill supplied NYC communities (74-78 mg/L) but softer than the Croton-dominant north Bronx (Baychester: 170.5 mg/L). The Rye Lake watershed drains the Hudson Highlands — Cambrian Poughkeepsie Formation (calcareous limestone), Ordovician Martinsburg Formation (calcareous shale), and Precambrian Yonkers Gneiss (partly calcareous). The moderate calcareous Highland input produces the soft south Westchester supply.
At 86.5 mg/L, Rye'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 4.2 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Westchester County south New York suburban corridor and the Hudson Highland PFAS background contribute to Rye's readings.
Geology & Source: Rye in Westchester County draws from United Water on Rye Lake (Westchester County, south New York) — Rye Lake drains the Hudson Highlands (Cambrian Poughkeepsie calcareous limestone, Precambrian Yonkers Gneiss — partly calcareous) — New York Westchester County Rye Lake Hudson Highland calcareous watershed produces moderately soft water at 86.5 mg/L with TDS 150.5 mg/L in this Westchester County New York city.