Vienna Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
7.3 grains per gallon
Source
groundwater
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
382 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.33
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 Vienna, your appliances are currently losing 17% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Vienna | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -35% |
| Washing Machine | 9 yrs | 12 yrs | -25% |
| Water Heater | 10.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -29% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Vienna compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Vienna, West Virginia | 125 mg/L | 17.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Parkersburg, West Virginia | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 5.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | river |
| Marietta, Ohio | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 28.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Athens, Ohio | 159 mg/L | 0 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Cambridge, Ohio | 317 mg/L | 26.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | river |
National Benchmark
How Vienna compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Vienna | 125 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 151 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Scarsdale Top Rated | 0.02 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Vienna's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
The City of Vienna Water Company supplies water to about 13,257 residents in Vienna, Wood County, West Virginia. This municipal system draws its supply from local aquifers located beneath the Ohio River valley, treating and distributing the water throughout the Vienna area. The utility's operations rely entirely on groundwater sources found within the Appalachian region's geological landscape.
The groundwater originates in an area known for its limestone and carbonate bedrock. These geological features are common throughout northern West Virginia and are responsible for dissolving substantial amounts of calcium and magnesium into the water as it flows underground. This natural process, driven by the region's specific hydrogeology, imbues the groundwater with the hard mineral content that defines Vienna’s water supply.
Homeowners in Vienna may notice the effects of this moderate hardness, such as the familiar soap scum and diminished cleaning power of detergents. You'll also likely see mineral scale building up inside appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, which can decrease their efficiency and shorten their lifespan. To combat these issues and protect your plumbing and appliances, installing a water softener is often a practical solution for Vienna residents. For the most current details on the water quality, including specific contaminant testing and treatment methods, checking the City of Vienna Water Company’s annual consumer confidence report is recommended.
Geology & Source: Limestone and carbonate bedrock of the Appalachian region; dissolution of calcium and magnesium minerals results in hard water
Other West Virginia Water Reports
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vienna's water safe to drink?
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How does Vienna compare to the USA average?
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for Vienna 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.