Franconia Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
11.5 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
8.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.009 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
527.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.53
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 Franconia, your appliances are currently losing 26% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Franconia | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.1 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -64% |
| Washing Machine | 6.3 yrs | 12 yrs | -48% |
| Water Heater | 7.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -49% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Franconia compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Franconia, Virginia | 197.5 mg/L | 10.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Rose Hill, Virginia | 182 mg/L | 9.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Lincolnia, Virginia | 165 mg/L | 8.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Springfield, Virginia | 139 mg/L | 7.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Newington, Virginia | 100 mg/L | 5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Franconia compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Franconia | 197.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Franconia's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Franconia, Virginia, in Fairfax County — an unincorporated Fairfax County community adjacent to Springfield and Kingstowne, in the south Fairfax County corridor near Fort Belvoir — receives its municipal water from Fairfax Water, drawing from the Occoquan Reservoir (Occoquan-Bull Run watershed, Fairfax-Prince William County) or the Potomac River at the Fairfax Water Corbalis plant.
The moderately hard 197.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 527.3 mg/L are higher than many other Fairfax Water communities (e.g., Reston VA: ~130 mg/L), possibly reflecting the south Fairfax distribution zone's supply blend. The Occoquan Reservoir receives drainage from the Triassic Culpeper Basin (calcareous Brunswick Formation and Balls Bluff Siltstone — significant hardness contributor), which would explain the elevated hardness relative to the northern Fairfax Potomac-dominant supply.
At 197.5 mg/L, Franconia's water is moderately hard — scale builds in appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and bathroom fixtures develop calcium deposits. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 10.3 ppt is very elevated and warrants a certified reverse osmosis drinking water filter — Fort Belvoir (Fairfax County — major US Army installation with AFFF use in the Occoquan-Pohick watershed), the Quantico Marine Corps Base (AFFF in the Occoquan tributary), and the south Fairfax industrial PFAS complex contribute to Franconia's very elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Franconia in Fairfax County draws from Fairfax Water on the Occoquan Reservoir (Occoquan-Bull Run watershed, Fairfax-Prince William Counties) — the Occoquan drains the Virginia Piedmont (Precambrian Quantico Formation, Triassic Culpeper Basin calcareous) — Virginia Fairfax County Piedmont-Triassic calcareous watershed produces moderately hard water at 197.5 mg/L with TDS 527 mg/L in this Fairfax County Virginia community.