Washougal Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.4 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
194.2 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 Washougal, your appliances are currently losing 10% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Washougal | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.1 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -16% |
| Washing Machine | 10.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -10% |
| Water Heater | 12.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -16% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Washougal compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Washougal, Washington | 75 mg/L | 3.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Camas, Washington | 61.5 mg/L | 2.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Troutdale, Oregon | 66 mg/L | 2.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Gresham, Oregon | 81 mg/L | 2.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Happy Valley, Oregon | 107.5 mg/L | 2.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Washougal compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Washougal | 75 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Washougal's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Washougal, Washington, in Clark County — a Clark County city adjacent to Camas and Vancouver on the Columbia River in southwest Washington — receives its municipal water from the Washougal Water Division, drawing from the Washougal River (Clark County, a Columbia River tributary draining the southwest Cascades) through the southwest Washington water treatment system.
The moderately soft 75 mg/L hardness and TDS of 194.2 mg/L (elevated TDS relative to hardness — suggesting minor mineral loading from the lower Washougal alluvial valley) reflect the Clark County Washougal River supply's moderate volcanic Cascade character — somewhat harder than the pure Cascade snowmelt communities (The Dalles: 22.5 mg/L; Martha Lake: 13.5 mg/L) due to lower valley alluvial and sedimentary input. The Washougal River drains the Cascade Range — Eocene Columbia River Basalt (insoluble), Pleistocene glacial outwash (slightly calcareous), and lower Columbia Gorge alluvial sediments (slightly calcareous).
At 75 mg/L, Washougal'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 3.2 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Clark County southwest Washington Portland metro industrial corridor and the Columbia River PFAS background from the Portland industrial complex contribute to Washougal's readings.
Geology & Source: Washougal in Clark County draws from the Washougal Water Division on the Washougal River (Clark County, southwest Washington) — the Washougal drains the Cascade Range (Eocene Columbia River Basalt, Pleistocene glacial outwash — insoluble) — Washington Clark County Washougal River Cascade volcanic watershed produces moderately soft water at 75 mg/L with TDS 194.2 mg/L in this Clark County Washington city.