Clarksburg Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.7 grains per gallon
Source
river
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
224.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.31
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 Clarksburg, your appliances are currently losing 15% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Clarksburg | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -32% |
| Washing Machine | 9.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -22% |
| Water Heater | 11 yrs | 15 yrs | -27% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Clarksburg compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Clarksburg, West Virginia | 114.5 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | river |
| Fairmont, West Virginia | 150 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Morgantown, West Virginia | 124 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Wheeling, West Virginia | 197 mg/L | 8.9 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
| Washington, Pennsylvania | 150 mg/L | 7.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Clarksburg compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Clarksburg | 114.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Clarksburg's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Clarksburg, West Virginia, in Harrison County — the Harrison County seat adjacent to Shinnston and Bridgeport on the West Fork River in north-central West Virginia — receives its municipal water from the Clarksburg Water Division, drawing from the West Fork River (Harrison County) through the Clarksburg treatment plant.
The moderately hard 114.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 224.9 mg/L reflect the north-central West Virginia Appalachian Plateau's moderate carbonate character. The West Fork River at Harrison County drains the Appalachian Plateau — Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation (sandstone-shale with minor carbonate cement), Mississippian Greenbrier Limestone (the primary WV carbonate platform — very high purity limestone), and Devonian Hampshire Formation (minor calcareous). The Mississippian Greenbrier Limestone contribution through the Appalachian Plateau drainage produces the moderately hard north-central WV supply.
At 114.5 mg/L, Clarksburg's water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need periodic cleaning. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 6.1 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Harrison County north-central West Virginia industrial corridor (Clarksburg's glass and chemical manufacturing legacy), the Appalachian industrial PFAS complex, and the West Virginia PFAS background contribute to Clarksburg's readings.
Geology & Source: Clarksburg in Harrison County draws from the Clarksburg Water Division on the West Fork River (Harrison County, north-central West Virginia) — the West Fork drains the Appalachian Plateau (Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation, Mississippian Greenbrier Limestone — moderately calcareous) — West Virginia Harrison County West Fork River Appalachian Plateau carbonate watershed produces moderately hard water at 114.5 mg/L with TDS 224.9 mg/L.