How does Hollins's water compare to the national average?

The USA national average is 151 mg/L. Hollins (≈ 120–179 mg/L) is 1 mg/L softer than average.

Hollins Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

hard

~120–179 mg/L

Hard

estimated · not lab-verified

Source

reservoir

pH Level

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.007 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

398.5 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

$0.40

energy & soap waste

Source: See methodology section below · Updated 2026

hard~120–179 mg/LHard · est.

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 Hollins, your appliances are currently losing 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

Appliance	In Hollins	Soft Water City	Efficiency Loss
Kettle	6.8 yrs	8.5 yrs	-20%
Washing Machine	9.6 yrs	12 yrs	-20%
Water Heater	12 yrs	15 yrs	-20%

Regional Water Comparison

How Hollins compares to its nearest neighbours

City	Hardness	PFAS (ppt)	Risk	Source
▶ Hollins, Virginia	≈ 120–179 mg/L	8.8 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir
Roanoke, Virginia	≈ 120–179 mg/L	55.5 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir
Salem, Virginia	≈ 120–179 mg/L	0 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir
Cave Spring, Virginia	≈ 120–179 mg/L	8.2 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir
Blacksburg, Virginia	≈ 120–179 mg/L	0 ppt	🟠 Hard	reservoir

National Benchmark

How Hollins compares to the USA average

Benchmark	Hardness	Appliance Risk
▶ Hollins	≈ 120–179 mg/L	🟠 Moderate
USA National Avg	151 mg/L	🟠 Moderate
Scarsdale Top Rated	0.02 mg/L	🟢 None

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What Makes Hollins's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: ReservoirTDS: 398.5 mg/LpH: 8

The Western Virginia Water Authority supplies water to Hollins, drawing from a mix of surface water reservoirs and groundwater aquifers across southwestern Virginia. While specific sources for Hollins aren't detailed here, the authority operates treatment plants that serve its extensive regional network. Residents can pinpoint their exact water source and understand its origins by utilizing the WVWA's online GIS mapping tool, which provides detailed information on the water's journey from source to tap.

Hollins is situated within the Ridge and Valley physiographic province, an area geologically defined by Paleozoic sedimentary rocks. The presence of limestone and dolomite formations is key here; these carbonate-rich strata naturally dissolve minerals like calcium and magnesium as water flows through or is stored within them. This geological interaction is the primary reason the water in this region typically exhibits moderately hard characteristics, a common trait for areas with this type of bedrock.

Homeowners in Hollins might notice some scale accumulating on faucets and showerheads over time, and soap may not lather quite as readily as with softer water. These are typical signs of moderately hard water. While not a health concern, if mineral buildup on appliances like coffee makers or water heaters becomes bothersome, residents can opt for a water softener. Regular descaling of appliances can also help manage any mineral deposits. For the most current details on water quality parameters beyond hardness, the Western Virginia Water Authority publishes annual reports.

Geology & Source: Ridge and Valley province; limestone and dolomite formations yield moderately hard water

Other Virginia Water Reports

Roanoke

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Salem

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Cave Spring

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Blacksburg

≈ 120–179 mg/L

🟠 Hard

Report an Issue

Notice an error or missing data? Help us keep this page accurate. If you spot incorrect water hardness, outdated utility info, or missing details, please let us know.

All reports are reviewed by our team. Thank you for supporting data quality!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hollins's water safe to drink?

Yes. Hollins's water meets all federal safety standards. The hardness is ≈ 120–179 mg/L (Hard), which is safe to drink. High hardness affects appliances and taste, but poses no health risk.

Do I need a water softener in Hollins?

At ≈ 120–179 mg/L (Hard), Hollins's water will cause significant limescale on kettles, washing machines, and water heaters. A water softener or descaler is strongly recommended to extend appliance lifespan and reduce energy bills by up to 20%.

How does Hollins compare to the USA average?

The USA national average is 151 mg/L. Hollins (≈ 120–179 mg/L) is 1 mg/L below the national average. The softest major city is Scarsdale at just 0.02 mg/L.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for Hollins is derived from geographic and geological modelling of the surrounding region. No federal monitoring station data was available for this location.

Estimated

Water Hardness

Modelled estimate based on state-level USGS geological survey data for this region. No direct USGS Water Quality Portal measurement was matched to this city — the value reflects a statistical range calibrated to the state's dominant rock types and typical source water characteristics.

Estimated

Estimated from regional geology and source water characteristics. pH is correlated with water hardness and local bedrock — values may differ from utility-reported figures.

Estimated

TDS — Total Dissolved Solids

Estimated using a derived ratio from water hardness and regional conductance profiles. TDS in natural water correlates strongly with total mineral content including hardness ions.

Measured

PFAS — Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

EPA UCMR5 (5th Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 2023–2025) — sum of PFAS compounds detected at the public water system serving this city. A value of 0 indicates the system was sampled with no detection above reporting limits.

Modelled

Lead

Modelled estimate based on the EPA Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile tap-sample methodology. No publicly available per-city lead dataset with sufficient national coverage exists. Values are a conservative baseline derived from city population tier and infrastructure age — all estimates are maintained below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.

Calculated

Appliance Lifespan

Calculated from water hardness using a linear degradation model. Baseline lifespans represent soft-water performance (kettle: 8.5 yrs, washing machine: 12.0 yrs, water heater: 15.0 yrs). Hard water mineral scale progressively reduces operational life in direct proportion to hardness concentration.