Knightdale Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
197 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.27
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 Knightdale, your appliances are currently losing 14% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Knightdale | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -27% |
| Washing Machine | 9.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -18% |
| Water Heater | 11.5 yrs | 15 yrs | -23% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Knightdale compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Knightdale, North Carolina | 102.5 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Clayton, North Carolina | 73 mg/L | 3.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Garner, North Carolina | 140 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Raleigh, North Carolina | 85.5 mg/L | 4.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| West Raleigh, North Carolina | 126.5 mg/L | 6.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Knightdale compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Knightdale | 102.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Knightdale's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Knightdale, North Carolina, in Wake County — a Wake County town adjacent to Raleigh and Zebulon in central North Carolina — receives its water from the Town of Knightdale or Raleigh Water, drawing from Falls Lake (Wake County) through the Raleigh metro east distribution.
The moderately hard 102.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 197 mg/L reflect the central North Carolina Raleigh area Falls Lake supply's moderate Piedmont calcareous character — consistent with other Wake County Raleigh metro communities (Graham NC at the Durham Basin margin: ~65.5 mg/L is softer; Knightdale's slightly harder supply reflects different Triassic and crystalline input at the east Wake County position). The Falls Lake watershed at Wake County drains the North Carolina Piedmont — Triassic Durham Basin (slightly calcareous redbed), Precambrian Falls Lake Schist (slightly calcareous), and Precambrian Raleigh Belt gneiss (insoluble).
At 102.5 mg/L, Knightdale's 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 5.4 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (Wayne County — AFFF) and the central North Carolina Raleigh metro industrial corridor contribute to Knightdale's readings.
Geology & Source: Knightdale in Wake County draws from the Town of Knightdale Water or Raleigh Water on Falls Lake reservoir (Wake County, central North Carolina Piedmont) — Falls Lake drains the North Carolina Piedmont (Triassic Durham Basin — slightly calcareous, Precambrian Falls Lake Schist — slightly calcareous) — North Carolina Wake County Falls Lake Piedmont Triassic-Precambrian watershed produces moderately hard water at 102.5 mg/L with TDS 197 mg/L.