Kelso Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.2 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
184.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.19
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 Kelso, your appliances are currently losing 10% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Kelso | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -15% |
| Washing Machine | 10.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -9% |
| Water Heater | 12.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -15% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Kelso compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Kelso, Washington | 72.5 mg/L | 3.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Longview, Washington | 58.5 mg/L | 2.7 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Saint Helens, Oregon | 77.5 mg/L | 2.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Salmon Creek, Washington | 58 mg/L | 2.7 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Battle Ground, Washington | 68 mg/L | 3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Kelso compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Kelso | 72.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Kelso's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Kelso, Washington, in Cowlitz County — a Cowlitz County city adjacent to Longview and Castle Rock at the confluence of the Cowlitz and Kalama Rivers in southwest Washington — receives its water from the City of Kelso Water Department or Cowlitz County utilities, drawing from the Cowlitz River through the southwest Washington distribution.
The soft 72.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 184.9 mg/L reflect the Cowlitz County Cowlitz supply's soft volcanic character — the Quaternary Cascade volcanic deposits and Tertiary Columbia River Basalt are predominantly insoluble, though the Cowlitz River originates near Mount Rainier and can pick up minor volcanic minerals as it descends (compare Longview WA: 70/178 in Cowlitz County comparable; Castle Rock WA: 74/190 in Cowlitz County comparable; Kelso consistent soft from the same Cowlitz County Cowlitz River Quaternary-Tertiary volcanic supply). The Cowlitz watershed — Quaternary Cascade volcanic deposits (insoluble — primary dilutant), Tertiary Columbia River Basalt (insoluble — secondary dilutant), and Holocene Cowlitz alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 72.5 mg/L with TDS 185, Kelso's water is soft — minimal scale buildup, appliances last well with standard care. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 3.2 ppt is low — a favorable result. Review the City of Kelso's annual water quality report for the latest contaminant monitoring data.
Geology & Source: Kelso in Cowlitz County draws from the City of Kelso Water on the Cowlitz River (Cowlitz County, southwest Washington) — the Cowlitz watershed at Kelso drains Quaternary Cascade volcanic deposits (insoluble) and Tertiary Columbia River Basalt (insoluble) — Washington Cowlitz County Cowlitz River Quaternary-Tertiary volcanic supply produces soft water at 72.5 mg/L with TDS 184.9 mg/L.