Saint James Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.4 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
216 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.29
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 Saint James, your appliances are currently losing 15% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Saint James | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -29% |
| Washing Machine | 9.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -21% |
| Water Heater | 11.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -25% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Saint James compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Saint James, New York | 109.5 mg/L | 5.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Nesconset, New York | 153.5 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Stony Brook, New York | 87.5 mg/L | 4.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Smithtown, New York | 144 mg/L | 6.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Lake Ronkonkoma, New York | 179 mg/L | 8.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Saint James compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Saint James | 109.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Saint James's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Saint James, New York, in Suffolk County — a Suffolk County hamlet adjacent to Smithtown and Stony Brook on the north shore of Long Island — receives its water from the Suffolk County Water Authority, drawing from the Long Island Glacial Aquifer (Suffolk County) through the north Long Island distribution.
The moderately hard 109.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 216 mg/L reflect the north-central Suffolk County Long Island supply's moderate calcareous character — softer than the south shore Ronkonkoma Moraine communities (Hampton Bays: 118.5 mg/L; Nesconset: 153.5 mg/L) due to Saint James' position over the Harbor Hills Moraine on the north shore, where the till is slightly less calcareous than the Ronkonkoma system. The Long Island Glacial Aquifer at north Suffolk County — Pleistocene Harbor Hills Moraine (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Cretaceous Magothy Formation (insoluble — dilutant), and Cretaceous Lloyd Sand (insoluble — deep dilutant).
At 109.5 mg/L, Saint James' water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need periodic cleaning. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.3 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — Calverton Naval Weapons Station (Suffolk County — former AFFF) and Grumman legacy sites contribute to Saint James' readings.
Geology & Source: Saint James in Suffolk County draws from the Suffolk County Water Authority on the Long Island Glacial Aquifer (Suffolk County, north-central Long Island, New York) — the aquifer is developed in Pleistocene Harbor Hills moraine (slightly calcareous) and Cretaceous Magothy Formation (insoluble) — New York Suffolk County Long Island north shore Pleistocene glacial aquifer produces moderately hard water at 109.5 mg/L with TDS 216 mg/L.