Alexandria Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
10.4 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
8.2
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.009 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
443.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.48
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 Alexandria, your appliances are currently losing 24% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Alexandria | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -56% |
| Washing Machine | 7 yrs | 12 yrs | -42% |
| Water Heater | 8.5 yrs | 15 yrs | -43% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Alexandria compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Alexandria, Virginia | 178.5 mg/L | 9.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Glassmanor, Maryland | 137 mg/L | 7.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Groveton, Virginia | 195 mg/L | 10.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Oxon Hill, Maryland | 177.5 mg/L | 9.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Hybla Valley, Virginia | 93.5 mg/L | 4.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Alexandria compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Alexandria | 178.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
Bring Badger-quality water to your Alexandria home
Shop water softeners on Amazon.com →
What Makes Alexandria's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Alexandria, Virginia receives its municipal water supply from the Alexandria Department of Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES) Water Division, sourced from the Washington Aqueduct (US Army Corps of Engineers) drawing from the Potomac River at Great Falls, and supplemented by water from the Occoquan Reservoir system operated by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. The Occoquan Reservoir, impounding the Occoquan River in Prince William County, is a major source for Northern Virginia utilities. Raw water from both sources is treated at the Patrick Center Water Treatment Facility before distribution throughout Alexandria. Water hardness in Alexandria reaches 178.5 mg/L — classified as hard, notably firmer than neighbouring Arlington's supply.
Alexandria's elevated hardness — compared with the 85.5 mg/L measured at Arlington — reflects the significant Occoquan Reservoir fraction in its supply blend. While the Potomac River at Great Falls carries moderately soft Blue Ridge metamorphic runoff (similar to Arlington's primary source), the Occoquan River watershed drains the Triassic Culpeper Basin — red beds, arkosic sandstone, and calcareous mudstone deposited in ancient Triassic rift valleys — and the Cambrian–Ordovician limestone belt of the Piedmont, contributing substantially more dissolved calcium than the upper Potomac alone. The blending of these two sources at higher Occoquan fractions produces Alexandria's harder finished water.
At 178.5 mg/L, Alexandria residents face regular limescale challenges. Showerheads and faucet aerators develop notable white deposits within weeks — monthly descaling with citric acid solution keeps fixtures in good working order. Dishwashers produce significantly better glassware results with rinse-aid, and kettles benefit from periodic treatment. Water heaters accumulate moderate element scaling over time; annual inspection is a worthwhile maintenance practice. Alexandria Water Division consistently delivers EPA-compliant water throughout the city's distribution network.
Geology & Source: Reservoir supply from the Occoquan Reservoir (Occoquan River) and direct Potomac River intake via the Washington Aqueduct and NOVA system — the Occoquan watershed crosses Triassic Culpeper Basin red beds and Cambrian–Ordovician Piedmont carbonate formations, contributing higher calcium loads than the Potomac headwaters alone, producing hard supply at 178.5 mg/L.