Sandy Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.5 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
238 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.25
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 Sandy, your appliances are currently losing 13% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Sandy | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -24% |
| Washing Machine | 10.1 yrs | 12 yrs | -16% |
| Water Heater | 11.8 yrs | 15 yrs | -21% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Sandy compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Sandy, Oregon | 94.5 mg/L | 2.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Troutdale, Oregon | 66 mg/L | 2.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Gresham, Oregon | 81 mg/L | 2.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Damascus, Oregon | 94 mg/L | 2.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Washougal, Washington | 75 mg/L | 3.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Sandy compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Sandy | 94.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Sandy's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Sandy, Oregon, in Clackamas County — a Clackamas County city adjacent to Estacada and Damascus at the Mount Hood foothills gateway in northwest Oregon — receives its water from the Sandy Water District, drawing from the Sandy River watershed through the northwest Oregon distribution.
The moderately hard 94.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 238 mg/L reflect the Clackamas County supply's moderate volcanic character — the Quaternary Mount Hood volcanic deposits and Pliocene Cascade basalt are largely insoluble, but volcanic glacial meltwater and Quaternary colluvium contribute moderately calcareous mineral content as the Sandy River descends from the Cascades (compare Estacada OR: 91/229 in Clackamas County comparable; Damascus OR: 97/247 in Clackamas County comparable; Sandy consistent moderate from the same Clackamas County Sandy River Quaternary volcanic insoluble supply). The Sandy River watershed — Quaternary Mount Hood volcanic deposits (insoluble — primary dilutant), Pliocene Cascade basalt (insoluble — secondary dilutant), and Quaternary Clackamas County glacial outwash (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 94.5 mg/L with TDS 238, Sandy's water is moderately hard — mild scale buildup. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 2.6 ppt is very low — an excellent result for northwest Oregon. Review Sandy Water District's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Sandy in Clackamas County draws from the Sandy Water District on the Sandy River watershed (Clackamas County, northwest Oregon) — the Sandy River watershed draws from Quaternary Mount Hood volcanic deposits (insoluble) and Pliocene Cascade basalt (insoluble) — Oregon Clackamas County Sandy River Quaternary volcanic insoluble supply produces moderately hard water at 94.5 mg/L with TDS 238 mg/L.