Williamsburg Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.3 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
147.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.24
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 Williamsburg, your appliances are currently losing 12% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Williamsburg | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -22% |
| Washing Machine | 10.2 yrs | 12 yrs | -15% |
| Water Heater | 12 yrs | 15 yrs | -20% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Williamsburg compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Williamsburg, Virginia | 91 mg/L | 4.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Newport News, Virginia | 103 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Hampton, Virginia | 92 mg/L | 4.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| East Hampton, Virginia | 177.5 mg/L | 9.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Suffolk, Virginia | 189 mg/L | 9.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Williamsburg compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Williamsburg | 91 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Williamsburg's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Williamsburg, Virginia — a historic independent city adjacent to James City County and York County on the Virginia Peninsula in southeast Virginia — receives its water from the City of Williamsburg water system, drawing from James City Service Authority sources or local reservoirs through the Virginia Peninsula distribution.
The moderately soft 91 mg/L hardness and TDS of 147.9 mg/L reflect the southeast Virginia Virginia Peninsula supply's moderately soft Coastal Plain character — consistent with other Virginia Peninsula communities (Newport News: ~88 mg/L; Hampton: ~92 mg/L). The Virginia Peninsula watershed at Williamsburg crosses the Virginia Coastal Plain — Cretaceous Potomac Group (slightly calcareous sand — minor hardness contributor), Tertiary coastal plain sediments (slightly calcareous), and minor Piedmont crystalline input (insoluble). The slightly calcareous Cretaceous coastal plain produces the moderately soft Virginia Peninsula supply.
At 91 mg/L, Williamsburg's water is moderately soft — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and bathroom fixtures need occasional cleaning. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.5 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — Naval Station Norfolk (Norfolk — AFFF), Langley Air Force Base (Hampton — AFFF), and the Virginia Peninsula military-industrial corridor contribute to Williamsburg's readings.
Geology & Source: Williamsburg draws from the City of Williamsburg water system on the James River and local reservoirs (City of Williamsburg, southeast Virginia) — the lower James drains the Virginia Piedmont and Coastal Plain (Cretaceous Potomac Group sand — slightly calcareous, Triassic Newark Supergroup) — Virginia City of Williamsburg James River Coastal Plain watershed produces moderately soft water at 91 mg/L with TDS 147.9 mg/L.