Poulsbo Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.3 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
188.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.20
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 Poulsbo, your appliances are currently losing 10% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Poulsbo | 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 Poulsbo compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Poulsbo, Washington | 73.5 mg/L | 3.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Silverdale, Washington | 20 mg/L | 1.5 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Bainbridge Island, Washington | 38 mg/L | 2.1 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Bremerton, Washington | 41 mg/L | 2.2 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Port Orchard, Washington | 70.5 mg/L | 3.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Poulsbo compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Poulsbo | 73.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Poulsbo's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Poulsbo, Washington, in Kitsap County — a Kitsap County city adjacent to Silverdale and Bainbridge Island on the Liberty Bay inlet of Puget Sound — receives its water from the Kitsap Public Utility District, drawing from the Kitsap Peninsula glacial aquifer through the northwest Washington distribution.
The soft 73.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 188.3 mg/L reflect the Kitsap County supply's soft Kitsap Peninsula glacial character — the Quaternary Vashon glacial drift and Eocene Puget Group sandstone are sandy insoluble formations in the Kitsap Peninsula; the shallow Kitsap Peninsula glacial aquifer draws from clean Cascade-derived glacial deposits with low to moderate mineral content (compare Silverdale WA: 70/180 in Kitsap County comparable; Bainbridge Island WA: 76/196 in Kitsap County comparable; Poulsbo consistent soft from the same Kitsap County Kitsap Peninsula Quaternary insoluble supply). The Kitsap Peninsula glacial aquifer — Quaternary Vashon glacial drift (sandy insoluble — primary dilutant), Eocene Puget Group sandstone (insoluble — secondary dilutant), and Quaternary Kitsap Peninsula marine terrace deposit (slightly calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 73.5 mg/L with TDS 188, Poulsbo's water is soft — minimal scale buildup. Annual descaling as preventative maintenance is sufficient. The PFAS level of 3.2 ppt is moderate — a certified drinking water filter provides added protection. Review the Kitsap Public Utility District's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Poulsbo in Kitsap County draws from the Kitsap Public Utility District on the Kitsap Peninsula groundwater (Kitsap County, northwest Washington) — the Kitsap Peninsula at Kitsap County draws from Quaternary Vashon glacial drift (sandy insoluble) and Eocene Puget Group sandstone (insoluble) — Washington Kitsap County Kitsap Peninsula Quaternary insoluble supply produces soft water at 73.5 mg/L with TDS 188.3 mg/L.