Lowes Island Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.1 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
185.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.28
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 Lowes Island, your appliances are currently losing 14% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Lowes Island | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.1 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -28% |
| Washing Machine | 9.7 yrs | 12 yrs | -19% |
| Water Heater | 11.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -24% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Lowes Island compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Lowes Island, Virginia | 105 mg/L | 5.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Sugarland Run, Virginia | 191 mg/L | 9.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Dranesville, Virginia | 148 mg/L | 7.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Countryside, Virginia | 169 mg/L | 8.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Great Falls, Virginia | 169 mg/L | 8.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Lowes Island compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Lowes Island | 105 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Lowes Island's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Lowes Island, Virginia, in Loudoun County — a Loudoun County planned community adjacent to Sterling and Cascades in the Dulles Technology Corridor — receives its water from Loudoun Water, drawing from the Potomac River through the north Virginia distribution.
The moderately hard 105 mg/L hardness and TDS of 185.7 mg/L reflect the Loudoun County supply's moderate Piedmont-Blue Ridge character — the Cambrian Tomstown Formation contributes calcareous mineral content from its limestone and dolostone in the Shenandoah Valley corridor, while Precambrian Blue Ridge basement rocks provide insoluble dilution from the headwaters (compare Sterling VA: 102/179 in Loudoun County comparable; Cascades VA: 107/192 in Loudoun County comparable; Lowes Island consistent moderate from the same Loudoun County Potomac River Cambrian calcareous supply). The Potomac watershed at Loudoun County — Cambrian Tomstown Formation (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Precambrian Blue Ridge Basement (insoluble — primary dilutant), and Quaternary Potomac River alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 105 mg/L with TDS 186, Lowes Island's water is moderately hard — mild scale buildup. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.3 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter. Review Loudoun Water's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Lowes Island in Loudoun County draws from the Loudoun Water on the Potomac River supply (Loudoun County, north Virginia) — the Potomac watershed draws from Cambrian Tomstown Formation (calcareous) and Precambrian Blue Ridge Basement (insoluble) — Virginia Loudoun County Potomac River Cambrian calcareous supply produces moderately hard water at 105 mg/L with TDS 185.7 mg/L.