Bull Run Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.9 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
132.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.23
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 Bull Run, your appliances are currently losing 11% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Bull Run | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -20% |
| Washing Machine | 10.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -13% |
| Water Heater | 12.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -19% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Bull Run compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Bull Run, Virginia | 84.5 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Sudley, Virginia | 187.5 mg/L | 9.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Manassas Park, Virginia | 128 mg/L | 6.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Manassas, Virginia | 127.5 mg/L | 6.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Linton Hall, Virginia | 167.5 mg/L | 8.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Bull Run compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Bull Run | 84.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Bull Run's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Bull Run, Virginia, in Prince William County — an unincorporated Prince William County community adjacent to Manassas and Centreville near the Bull Run creek in north Virginia — receives its water from the Prince William County Service Authority, drawing from Occoquan Reservoir (Bull Run/Occoquan watershed, Prince William County) through the north Virginia distribution.
The moderately soft 84.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 132.3 mg/L reflect the north Virginia Occoquan Reservoir Piedmont watershed's predominantly insoluble metavolcanic character — softer than the Fairfax Water Potomac communities (Merrifield: 191 mg/L) and reflecting the relatively insoluble Chopawamsic volcanic input. Occoquan Reservoir at Prince William County drains the Virginia Piedmont — Precambrian Chopawamsic Formation (metavolcanic — insoluble, dominant), Precambrian Quantico Formation (metasedimentary — slightly calcareous, secondary), and Ordovician Catoctin Formation (metavolcanic — insoluble). The insoluble Piedmont metavolcanic basement produces the moderately soft supply.
At 84.5 mg/L, Bull Run's water is moderately soft — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and bathroom fixtures need occasional cleaning. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.2 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — Marine Corps Base Quantico (Prince William County — AFFF, directly adjacent to the Bull Run/Occoquan watershed and the dominant Prince William PFAS source) contributes to Bull Run's readings.
Geology & Source: Bull Run in Prince William County draws from the Prince William County Service Authority on Occoquan Reservoir (Prince William County, north Virginia) — Occoquan impounds Bull Run draining the Virginia Piedmont (Precambrian Chopawamsic Formation metavolcanic — insoluble) — Virginia Prince William County Occoquan Reservoir Piedmont insoluble watershed produces moderately soft water at 84.5 mg/L with TDS 132.3 mg/L.