Watervliet Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.3 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
212 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 Watervliet, your appliances are currently losing 14% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Watervliet | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -29% |
| Washing Machine | 9.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -20% |
| Water Heater | 11.3 yrs | 15 yrs | -25% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Watervliet compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Watervliet, New York | 108 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Troy, New York | 160.5 mg/L | 7.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Cohoes, New York | 161.5 mg/L | 7.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Latham, New York | 72 mg/L | 3.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| West Albany, New York | 139.5 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Watervliet compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Watervliet | 108 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Watervliet's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Watervliet, New York, in Albany County — an Albany County city adjacent to Cohoes and Troy on the Hudson River in the Capital District — receives its water from the Albany Water Department, drawing from the Alcove and Basic Creek Reservoirs through the upper Hudson Valley distribution.
The moderately hard 108 mg/L hardness and TDS of 212 mg/L reflect the Albany County supply's moderate upper Hudson Valley character — the Devonian Catskill Formation provides insoluble dilution while the Ordovician Hudson Valley Shale contributes slightly calcareous mineral content; Albany's reservoir system draws from the Catskill/Helderberg upland with moderate mineral content in the Capital District (compare Cohoes NY: 105/204 in Albany County comparable; Troy NY: 111/220 in Rensselaer County comparable; Watervliet consistent moderate from the same Albany County Alcove Reservoir Devonian supply). The Alcove/Basic Creek Reservoir — Devonian Catskill Formation (insoluble — primary dilutant), Ordovician Hudson Valley Shale (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Quaternary Hudson River Valley glaciolacustrine sediment (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 108 mg/L with TDS 212, Watervliet's water is moderately hard — mild scale buildup. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.2 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter. Review the Albany Water Department's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Watervliet in Albany County draws from the Albany Water on the Alcove/Basic Creek Reservoir (Albany County, upper Hudson Valley) — the upper Hudson Valley at Albany County draws from Devonian Catskill Formation (insoluble) and Ordovician Hudson Valley Shale (slightly calcareous) — New York Albany County Alcove Reservoir Devonian supply produces moderately hard water at 108 mg/L with TDS 212 mg/L.