Lorton Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.5 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
158.4 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 Lorton, your appliances are currently losing 13% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Lorton | 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 Lorton compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Lorton, Virginia | 95 mg/L | 4.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Newington, Virginia | 100 mg/L | 5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| West Springfield, Virginia | 168.5 mg/L | 8.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Lake Ridge, Virginia | 105.5 mg/L | 5.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Springfield, Virginia | 139 mg/L | 7.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Lorton compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Lorton | 95 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Lorton's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Lorton, Virginia, in Fairfax County — an unincorporated Fairfax County community adjacent to Woodbridge and Springfield, in the southern Fairfax County corridor near the Pohick Bay Regional Park on the Potomac — receives its municipal water from Fairfax Water, drawing from the Potomac River (Corbalis Water Treatment Plant, Loudoun County) and the Occoquan Reservoir (Griffith Water Treatment Plant, Fairfax-Prince William County line).
The soft 95 mg/L hardness and TDS of 158.4 mg/L reflect the Fairfax Water blended Potomac-Occoquan supply — softer than the DC Water Potomac supply (Capitol Riverfront DC: 113 mg/L) because the Occoquan Reservoir receives water from the Bull Run and Occoquan drainages in the Virginia Piedmont (Precambrian Bull Run Formation, Cambrian Quantico Formation — largely insoluble silicate), which is significantly softer than the Potomac's Appalachian carbonate drainage. The Fairfax Water blend produces the characteristic soft-to-moderate supply throughout south Fairfax County.
At 95 mg/L, Lorton's water is soft — essentially no scale forms, soap lathers abundantly, and appliances maintain good efficiency. Annual descaling is sufficient. The PFAS level of 4.8 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the former Lorton Reformatory (now Laurel Hill development — industrial legacy), Quantico Marine Corps Base (AFFF in the Occoquan watershed), and the Fairfax County suburban PFAS complex contribute to Lorton's readings.
Geology & Source: Lorton in Fairfax County draws from the Fairfax Water on the Potomac River (Corbalis Plant, Loudoun County) or the Occoquan Reservoir (Fairfax-Prince William County) — the Occoquan drains the Virginia Piedmont (Precambrian-Cambrian Quantico Formation phyllite, Cambrian Weverton Quartzite) — Virginia Fairfax Water Potomac-Occoquan Piedmont blended watershed produces soft water at 95 mg/L with TDS 158 mg/L in this Fairfax County Virginia community.