Meadowbrook Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
9.6 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
8.1
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
385 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.44
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 Meadowbrook, your appliances are currently losing 22% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Meadowbrook | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -51% |
| Washing Machine | 7.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -38% |
| Water Heater | 9 yrs | 15 yrs | -40% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Meadowbrook compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Meadowbrook, Virginia | 164 mg/L | 8.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Chester, Virginia | 197 mg/L | 10.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Richmond, Virginia | 126.5 mg/L | 6.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Bon Air, Virginia | 133.5 mg/L | 6.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| East Highland Park, Virginia | 177.5 mg/L | 9.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Meadowbrook compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Meadowbrook | 164 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Meadowbrook's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Meadowbrook, Virginia, in Chesterfield County — an unincorporated Chesterfield County community adjacent to Richmond and Henrico County, south of the James River in the inner Richmond metro — receives its municipal water from Chesterfield County Utilities or Richmond Department of Public Utilities, drawing from the James River at the Richmond metropolitan intake.
The moderately hard 164 mg/L hardness and TDS of 385.0 mg/L are significantly harder than the Midlothian Chesterfield reading (78 mg/L, TDS 117), suggesting Meadowbrook receives a higher James River surface supply component rather than the softer Swift Creek Reservoir. The James River at Richmond drains the Blue Ridge (Catoctin Formation — minor carbonate) and the Virginia Piedmont including the Cambrian Chilhowie Group (calcareous dolomite) and Ordovician Knox Group dolomite (Appalachian Valley) — producing the moderately hard surface water supply.
At 164 mg/L, Meadowbrook's water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and bathroom fixtures develop calcium deposits. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 8.5 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Richmond industrial corridor (Richmond Chemical Superfund sites), Fort Lee (Army AFFF in the James-Appomattox watershed), and the central Virginia James River PFAS legacy contribute to Meadowbrook's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Meadowbrook in Chesterfield County draws from Chesterfield County Water or Richmond Water on the James River (Chesterfield County) — the James River drains the Blue Ridge (Precambrian Catoctin metavolcanic) and Virginia Piedmont (Ordovician Knox Dolomite) — Virginia James River Blue Ridge-Piedmont carbonate drainage produces moderately hard water at 164 mg/L with TDS 385 mg/L in this Chesterfield County Virginia community.