Port Angeles Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
~120–179 mg/L
Hardestimated · not lab-verified
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.9
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
174 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.40
energy & soap waste
Source: See methodology section below · 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 Port Angeles, your appliances are currently losing 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Port Angeles | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -20% |
| Washing Machine | 9.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -20% |
| Water Heater | 12 yrs | 15 yrs | -20% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Port Angeles compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Port Angeles, Washington | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 0 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Oak Harbor, Washington | 23 mg/L | 0 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Poulsbo, Washington | 80 mg/L | 0 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | groundwater |
| Silverdale, Washington | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 0 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Camano, Washington | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 2.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How Port Angeles compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Port Angeles | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 151 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Scarsdale Top Rated | 0.02 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Port Angeles's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
The City of Port Angeles Water Department serves approximately 20,000 residents in Clallam County, Washington, primarily within the city limits and surrounding areas on the north Olympic Peninsula. The primary surface water source is Lake Sutherland, impounded on the Elwha River, supplemented by groundwater from local wells. Water is treated at the Lake Sutherland Treatment Plant and distributed through the municipal system. The department can be contacted at 360.417.4800 or publicworks@cityofpa.us, with annual Consumer Confidence Reports available at cityofpa.us.
The Elwha River watershed spans the Olympic Mountains, with Lake Sutherland capturing snowmelt and rainfall from granitic and sedimentary bedrock. Underlying geology includes Tertiary marine sandstones, shales, and Quaternary glacial outwash plains, with fractured bedrock aquifers providing groundwater. This mixed geology imparts a moderately mineralised character to the supply, as glacial deposits and minor carbonate influences add calcium and magnesium without excessive concentrations, moderated by the region's wet climate and coniferous forest cover that limits ion leaching.
Moderately hard water in Port Angeles produces subtle scale buildup in appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters, reducing soap lather and causing faint spotting on glassware. Faucets and showerheads accumulate mineral deposits over time; regular vinegar descaling quarterly and using detergent formulated for hard water are recommended, with a water softener advised for households noticing these effects. The 2024 Consumer Confidence Report confirms no exceedances of EPA standards; treatment includes filtration, disinfection, and corrosion control, with no PFAS detections noted in available summaries.
Geology & Source: Olympic Peninsula mixed sources — Tertiary marine sandstones/shales, Quaternary glacial outwash; Elwha River/Lake Sutherland watershed; carbonate lenses add moderate hardness, balanced by rainfall recharge
Other Washington Water Reports
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Port Angeles's water safe to drink?
Do I need a water softener in Port Angeles?
How does Port Angeles compare to the USA average?
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for Port Angeles is derived from geographic and geological modelling of the surrounding region. No federal monitoring station data was available for this location.
Water Hardness
Modelled estimate based on state-level USGS geological survey data for this region. No direct USGS Water Quality Portal measurement was matched to this city — the value reflects a statistical range calibrated to the state's dominant rock types and typical source water characteristics.
pH
Estimated from regional geology and source water characteristics. pH is correlated with water hardness and local bedrock — values may differ from utility-reported figures.
TDS — Total Dissolved Solids
Estimated using a derived ratio from water hardness and regional conductance profiles. TDS in natural water correlates strongly with total mineral content including hardness ions.
PFAS — Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
EPA UCMR5 (5th Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 2023–2025) — sum of PFAS compounds detected at the public water system serving this city. A value of 0 indicates the system was sampled with no detection above reporting limits.
Lead
Modelled estimate based on the EPA Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile tap-sample methodology. No publicly available per-city lead dataset with sufficient national coverage exists. Values are a conservative baseline derived from city population tier and infrastructure age — all estimates are maintained below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Appliance Lifespan
Calculated from water hardness using a linear degradation model. Baseline lifespans represent soft-water performance (kettle: 8.5 yrs, washing machine: 12.0 yrs, water heater: 15.0 yrs). Hard water mineral scale progressively reduces operational life in direct proportion to hardness concentration.