Newington Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.8 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
171.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.27
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 Newington, your appliances are currently losing 13% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Newington | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -26% |
| Washing Machine | 9.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -17% |
| Water Heater | 11.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -23% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Newington compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Newington, Virginia | 100 mg/L | 5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| West Springfield, Virginia | 168.5 mg/L | 8.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Springfield, Virginia | 139 mg/L | 7.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Lorton, Virginia | 95 mg/L | 4.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Woodlawn, Virginia | 123.5 mg/L | 6.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Newington compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Newington | 100 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Newington's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Newington, Virginia, in Fairfax County — a Fairfax County unincorporated community adjacent to Springfield and Burke in north Virginia — receives its water from the Fairfax Water, drawing from Occoquan Reservoir (Fairfax County) through the north Virginia distribution.
The moderately hard 100 mg/L hardness and TDS of 171.7 mg/L reflect the north Virginia Fairfax County Occoquan supply's moderate calcareous character — consistent with the north Virginia Fairfax County Occoquan metro communities (compare Brandermill VA: 115.5 mg/L on the Appomattox; Short Hills NJ: 73.5 mg/L softer; Newington typical for the Fairfax County Occoquan draw where the Piedmont and Triassic Culpeper Basin calcareous contacts contribute moderate hardness). The Occoquan watershed at Fairfax County — Precambrian Chopawamsic Formation (insoluble — primary dilutant), Triassic Culpeper Basin (slightly calcareous — hardness contributor), and Quaternary Piedmont alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 100 mg/L, Newington's water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need periodic cleaning. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 5.0 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Fairfax County north Virginia military and industrial corridor contribute to Newington's readings.
Geology & Source: Newington in Fairfax County draws from the Fairfax Water on Occoquan Reservoir (Fairfax County, north Virginia) — the Occoquan watershed at Fairfax County drains the Virginia Piedmont (Precambrian Chopawamsic Formation — insoluble) and Triassic Culpeper Basin (slightly calcareous) — Virginia Fairfax County Occoquan Reservoir Precambrian-Triassic Piedmont supply produces moderately hard water at 100 mg/L with TDS 171.7 mg/L.