Water Hardness in New Jersey
Across 395 measured cities — with 149 more covered by labeled county-level estimates — New Jersey's median tap water hardness is 87.4 mg/L (5.1 gpg): moderately hard on the USGS scale. Below: every covered city, the state's hardest and softest water, and the geology that explains it.
Data updated July 6, 2026. Sources: utility-reported water quality data and USGS/EPA Water Quality Portal samples.
State Median
87.4
mg/L (5.1 gpg), measured cities
Measured Range
2.2-367.0
mg/L across measured cities
Measured Cities
395
utility-reported or computed values
County Estimates
149
27% of covered cities
New Jersey Cities by Hardness Category
Measured cities only — labeled county estimates never enter the category counts or the median.
| Category | Range | Measured cities | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft | 0-60 mg/L | 77 | 19.5% |
| Moderately hard | 60-120 mg/L | 247 | 62.5% |
| Hard | 120-180 mg/L | 50 | 12.7% |
| Very hard | >180 mg/L | 21 | 5.3% |
Hardest and Softest Water in New Jersey
Measured values only; labeled county estimates and values under active dispute never rank.
Hardest water in New Jersey
- Essex Falls — 367.0 mg/L (21.5 gpg), very hard
- Essex Fells — 324.1 mg/L (18.9 gpg), very hard
- Park Ridge — 313.0 mg/L (18.3 gpg), very hard
- Woodcliff Lake — 313.0 mg/L (18.3 gpg), very hard
- Mount Hope — 269.0 mg/L (15.7 gpg), very hard
Softest water in New Jersey
- Roseland — 2.2 mg/L (0.1 gpg), soft
- Hawthorne — 5.3 mg/L (0.3 gpg), soft
- Livingston — 16.6 mg/L (1.0 gpg), soft
- Belleplain — 19.5 mg/L (1.1 gpg), soft
- Woodbine — 19.5 mg/L (1.1 gpg), soft
Every Covered City in New Jersey
All 544 covered New Jersey cities, sorted by population served. "County estimate" rows are labeled context values from USGS/EPA Water Quality Portal county sampling — they never enter the median above. City names link to each city's full water quality page.
| City | Hardness (mg/L) | gpg | Category | Data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thorofare | 135.8 | 7.9 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Riverton | 120.5 | 7.0 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Westville | 126.9 | 7.4 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| National Park | 127.0 | 7.4 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Fairview | 86.3 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| South Plainfield | 102.2 | 6.0 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Vauxhall | 108.6 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Watchung | 108.6 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Paulsboro | 153.0 | 8.9 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Upper Saddle River | 96.5 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Saddle River | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Alpine | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Bergenfield | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Bogota | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Carlstadt | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Cliffside Park | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Closter | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Cresskill | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Demarest | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Dumont | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| East Rutherford | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Edgewater | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Emerson | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Englewood | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Englewood Cliffs | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Fort Lee | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Guttenberg | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Hackensack | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Harrington Park | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Hasbrouck Heights | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Haworth | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Hillsdale | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Leonia | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Little Ferry | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Maywood | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Moonachie | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| New Milford | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Northvale | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Norwood | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Old Tappan | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Oradell | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Palisades Park | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Paramus | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Ridgefield | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Ridgefield Park | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| River Edge | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Rockleigh | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Rutherford | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Secaucus | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Tenafly | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Teterboro | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Union City | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| West New York | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Westwood | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Wood-Ridge | 95.8 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Kingston | 109.5 | 6.4 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Blackwells Mills | 111.3 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| East Millstone | 111.3 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Franklin Center | 111.3 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Weston | 111.3 | 6.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Monmouth Junction | 98.8 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| White House Station | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Princeton | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Belle Mead | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Bound Brook | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Bradley Gardens | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Bridgewater Center | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Connecticut Farms | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Cranbury | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Cranford | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Dunellen | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Fanwood | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Finderne | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Flagtown | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Flemington | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Garwood | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Green Knoll | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Hillsborough | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Jamesburg | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Kean University | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Kenilworth | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Linden | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Manville | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Martinsville | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Middlesex | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Millstone | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Mountainside | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Neshanic | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Neshanic Station | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| North Plainfield | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Plainfield | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Plainsboro Center | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Princeton Junction | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Princeton Meadows | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Raritan | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Rocky Hill | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Roselle | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Roselle Park | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Rutgers University-Busch Campus | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Rutgers University-Livingston Campus | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Somerville | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| South Bound Brook | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Union | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Westfield | 100.0 | 5.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Elizabeth | 54.5 | 3.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Bayonne | 38.8 | 2.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Lakewood | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Carneys Point | 87.4 | 5.1 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Pennsville | 87.4 | 5.1 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Silver Lake | 38.1 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| East Newark | 45.8 | 2.7 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Strathmore | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Bradley Beach | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Allenhurst | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Asbury Park | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Bay Head | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Belford | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Deal | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Dover Beaches North | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Dover Beaches South | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Eatontown | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Fair Haven | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Highlands | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Interlaken | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Leonardo | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Lincroft | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Little Silver | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Loch Arbour | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Long Branch | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Mantoloking | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Monmouth Beach | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Navesink | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Neptune City | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| North Middletown | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Oakhurst | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Ocean Grove | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Oceanport | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Port Monmouth | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Rumson | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Sea Bright | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Shark River Hills | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Shrewsbury | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Tinton Falls | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Wanamassa | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| West Long Branch | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Cherry Hill Mall | 77.9 | 4.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Golden Triangle | 77.9 | 4.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Camden | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Clifton | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Passaic | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Paterson | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Prospect Park | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Harrison | 37.3 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Ramblewood | 77.8 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Newark | 37.3 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| South Amboy | 103.7 | 6.1 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Brookside | 136.3 | 8.0 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Green Village | 136.3 | 8.0 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Bellmawr | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Ashland | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Audubon | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Audubon Park | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Barclay | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Barrington | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Beverly | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Echelon | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Ellisburg | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Gibbsboro | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Glendora | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Greentree | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Haddon Heights | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Haddonfield | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Hi-Nella | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Kingston Estates | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Laurel Springs | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Lawnside | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Lindenwold | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Magnolia | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Mount Ephraim | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Oaklyn | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Palmyra | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Runnemede | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Somerdale | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Springdale | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Stratford | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Tavistock | 81.5 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Jersey City | 73.2 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Groveville | 75.4 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Mercerville | 75.4 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Yardville | 75.4 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Avenel | 108.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Carteret | 108.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Colonia | 108.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Fords | 108.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Hopelawn | 108.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Iselin | 108.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Keasbey | 108.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Menlo Park Terrace | 108.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Metuchen | 108.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Port Reading | 108.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Sewaren | 108.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Woodbridge | 108.0 | 6.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Florham Park | 137.1 | 8.0 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Rio Grande | 42.2 | 2.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Wildwood | 42.2 | 2.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Springfield | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Basking Ridge | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Bedminster | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Bernardsville | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Chester | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Far Hills | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Gillette | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Liberty Corner | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Llewellyn Park | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Lyons | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Mendham | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Millington | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| New Providence | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Pleasantdale | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Short Hills | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Stirling | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Summit | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| The Hills | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| The College of New Jersey | 80.1 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Trenton | 80.1 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| White Horse | 80.1 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Atlantic City | 11.8 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Marmora | 42.2 | 2.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Ocean City | 42.2 | 2.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Toms River | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| English Creek | 21.1 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Absecon | 21.1 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Absecon Highlands | 21.1 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Bargaintown | 21.1 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Cologne | 21.1 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Linwood | 21.1 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Northfield | 21.1 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Oceanville | 21.1 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Pleasantville | 21.1 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Pomona | 21.1 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Smithville | 21.1 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Somers Point | 21.1 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Somerset | 169.3 | 9.9 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Grenloch | 39.1 | 2.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Brick Twp | 84.2 | 4.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Ramtown | 84.2 | 4.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Sicklerville | 43.1 | 2.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Madison | 138.2 | 8.1 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Marlboro | 66.6 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| East Orange | 171.0 | 10.0 | Hard | County estimate |
| Pennsauken | 71.3 | 4.2 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Woodlynne | 97.1 | 5.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Brownville | 68.6 | 4.0 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Laurence Harbor | 68.6 | 4.0 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Madison Park | 68.6 | 4.0 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Old Bridge | 68.6 | 4.0 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Pompton Lakes | 43.5 | 2.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Mount Tabor | 196.7 | 11.5 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Cedar Knolls | 148.0 | 8.7 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Morris Plains | 148.0 | 8.7 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Morristown | 148.0 | 8.7 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| New Vernon | 82.3 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Whippany | 148.0 | 8.7 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Midland Park | 105.0 | 6.1 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Glen Rock | 105.0 | 6.1 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Ridgewood | 105.0 | 6.1 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Burlington | 6.0 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| East Franklin | 235.0 | 13.7 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Franklin Park | 235.0 | 13.7 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Griggstown | 235.0 | 13.7 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Middlebush | 235.0 | 13.7 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Pleasant Plains | 235.0 | 13.7 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Six Mile Run | 235.0 | 13.7 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Ten Mile Run | 235.0 | 13.7 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Voorhees | 235.0 | 13.7 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| New Brunswick | 66.4 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Oakland | 212.0 | 12.4 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Packanack Lake | 43.5 | 2.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Pines Lake | 43.5 | 2.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Preakness | 43.5 | 2.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Wayne | 43.5 | 2.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| William Paterson University of New Jersey | 43.5 | 2.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Perth Amboy | 84.3 | 4.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Hoboken | 75.6 | 4.4 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Parsippany | 208.0 | 12.2 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Lake Hiawatha | 208.0 | 12.2 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Rainbow Lakes | 208.0 | 12.2 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Troy Hills | 208.0 | 12.2 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Lake Como | 66.1 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Montclair State University | 45.6 | 2.7 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| East Brunswick Twp | 68.8 | 4.0 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Helmetta | 66.4 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Ampere North | 43.0 | 2.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Bloomfield | 43.0 | 2.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Brookdale | 43.0 | 2.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Watsessing | 43.0 | 2.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Merchantville | 57.9 | 3.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Englishtown | 50.1 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Yorketown | 90.7 | 5.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Marlton | 41.8 | 2.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Dayton | 82.1 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Deans | 82.1 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Heathcote | 82.1 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Kendall Park | 82.1 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Sayreville | 66.4 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Blackwood | 39.1 | 2.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Mt Laurel Twp | 54.4 | 3.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Kearny | 106.0 | 6.2 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Florence | 6.0 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Avalon | 42.2 | 2.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Braddock | 47.6 | 2.8 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Crosswicks | 49.5 | 2.9 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Hamilton Square | 49.5 | 2.9 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Robbinsville Center | 49.5 | 2.9 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Montclair | 45.6 | 2.7 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Upper Montclair | 45.6 | 2.7 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Westmont | 100.7 | 5.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Vineland | 26.4 | 1.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Neptune | 61.9 | 3.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Jackson | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Belleville | 171.0 | 10.0 | Hard | County estimate |
| Cape May | 44.6 | 2.6 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Edison | 94.1 | 5.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Clearbrook | 21.2 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Concordia | 21.2 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Encore at Monroe | 21.2 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Forsgate | 21.2 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Monroe Manor | 21.2 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Monroe Township | 21.2 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Regency at Monroe | 21.2 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Renaissance at Monroe | 21.2 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Rossmoor | 21.2 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Stonebridge | 21.2 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| The Ponds | 21.2 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Whittingham | 21.2 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Point Pleasant Beach | 65.0 | 3.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Fair Lawn | 137.0 | 8.0 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Fair Lawn Boro | 137.0 | 8.0 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Stone Harbor | 42.2 | 2.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Garfield | 212.0 | 12.4 | Very hard | County estimate |
| East Freehold | 63.7 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Freehold | 63.7 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| West Freehold | 63.7 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Nutley | 65.6 | 3.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Morganville | 28.8 | 1.7 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Robertsville | 28.8 | 1.7 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Manahawkin | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Forked River | 60.1 | 3.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Dover | 82.3 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Millville | 26.4 | 1.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Livingston | 16.6 | 1.0 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Rahway | 196.0 | 11.5 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Mahwah | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Ramapo College of New Jersey | 133.0 | 7.8 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Victory Lakes | 22.3 | 1.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Williamstown | 22.3 | 1.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Allenwood | 66.1 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Wall Twp | 66.1 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| West Belmar | 66.1 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Belmar | 60.8 | 3.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Lavallette | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Collingswood | 97.1 | 5.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Brielle | 63.8 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Glassboro | 36.8 | 2.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Lodi | 212.0 | 12.4 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Fiar Lawn | 33.1 | 1.9 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Margate City | 33.1 | 1.9 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Bridgeton | 26.4 | 1.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Chatham | 104.8 | 6.1 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Ventnor City | 11.8 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hackettstown | 153.5 | 9.0 | Hard | County estimate |
| Vienna | 153.5 | 9.0 | Hard | County estimate |
| Pine Brook | 180.0 | 10.5 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Towaco | 180.0 | 10.5 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Mays Landing | 11.8 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Cherry Hill | 43.7 | 2.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Moorestown-Lenola | 49.3 | 2.9 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Lyndhurst | 139.0 | 8.1 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Elmwood Park | 212.0 | 12.4 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Hamilton | 172.0 | 10.1 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Barnegat | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Beach Haven | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Seaside Heights | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Point Pleasant | 65.0 | 3.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Hawthorne | 5.3 | 0.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Maple Shade | 6.0 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Fort Dix | 6.0 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Wrightstown | 6.0 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Bordentown | 6.0 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Lake Mohawk | 158.0 | 9.2 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Budd Lake | 82.3 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Medford | 70.4 | 4.1 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| South Orange | 153.0 | 8.9 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Landing | 82.3 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Park Ridge | 313.0 | 18.3 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Woodcliff Lake | 313.0 | 18.3 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Kenvil | 82.3 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Ledgewood | 82.3 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| South River | 66.4 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Denville | 161.0 | 9.4 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Sea Isle City | 42.2 | 2.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Pompton Plains | 82.3 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Waretown | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| North Arlington | 212.0 | 12.4 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Ramsey | 131.0 | 7.7 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Seaside Park | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Randolph Twp | 155.0 | 9.1 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Lake Hopatcong | 82.3 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Brigantine | 20.0 | 1.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Penns Grove | 73.0 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Highland Park | 63.0 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Manasquan | 76.8 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Mount Hope | 269.0 | 15.7 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| White Meadow Lake | 269.0 | 15.7 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Clinton | 77.3 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Verona | 171.0 | 10.0 | Hard | County estimate |
| Saddle Brook | 212.0 | 12.4 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Berlin | 57.8 | 3.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| West Berlin | 57.8 | 3.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Cedar Grove | 58.4 | 3.4 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Sewell | 90.0 | 5.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Lebanon | 77.3 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Kinnelon | 36.7 | 2.1 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Annandale | 77.3 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Gloucester City | 43.7 | 2.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hammonton | 11.8 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Haledon | 73.9 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Succasunna | 82.3 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Wallington | 212.0 | 12.4 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Lincoln Park | 82.3 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Spring Lake | 50.1 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Roebling | 6.0 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Oxford | 153.5 | 9.0 | Hard | County estimate |
| Totowa | 73.9 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Beachwood | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Longport | 11.8 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| West Caldwell | 86.4 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Washington | 153.5 | 9.0 | Hard | County estimate |
| Wanaque | 73.9 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Erma | 64.5 | 3.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| North Cape May | 64.5 | 3.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Villas | 64.5 | 3.8 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Waldwick | 256.0 | 15.0 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Keansburg | 50.1 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mickleton | 36.8 | 2.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mount Royal | 36.8 | 2.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Boonton | 91.6 | 5.4 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Lawrenceville | 191.0 | 11.2 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Pitman | 36.8 | 2.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Ringwood | 42.3 | 2.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Mullica Hill | 36.8 | 2.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Richwood | 36.8 | 2.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Matawan | 59.3 | 3.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Caldwell | 171.0 | 10.0 | Hard | County estimate |
| Chatam | 157.0 | 9.2 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Macopin | 36.7 | 2.1 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Long Valley | 48.2 | 2.8 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Spotswood | 66.4 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Clayton | 36.8 | 2.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Bloomingdale | 73.9 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Glen Ridge | 89.8 | 5.3 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Butler | 36.7 | 2.1 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Keyport | 50.1 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Fairfield | 171.0 | 10.0 | Hard | County estimate |
| Hopatcong | 113.3 | 6.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Rockaway | 123.0 | 7.2 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Milltown | 66.2 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Allendale | 212.0 | 12.4 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Wharton | 42.8 | 2.5 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Tuckerton | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Franklin | 113.3 | 6.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Cape May Court House | 42.2 | 2.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Roseland | 2.2 | 0.1 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Mount Arlington | 82.3 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Franklin Lakes | 97.7 | 5.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Avon-by-the-Sea | 60.8 | 3.6 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Clementon | 66.5 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Gibbstown | 36.8 | 2.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Egg Harbor City | 11.8 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Woodstown | 73.0 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Barnegat Light | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Ho-Ho-Kus | 126.0 | 7.4 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Hohokus Boro | 126.0 | 7.4 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Mountain Lakes | 126.0 | 7.4 | Hard | Utility-reported |
| Stanhope | 113.3 | 6.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Hamburg | 113.3 | 6.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Netcong | 82.3 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Woodbine | 19.5 | 1.1 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Glen Gardner | 77.3 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| High Bridge | 77.3 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Ocean Gate | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Pemberton | 6.0 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Woodbury Heights | 36.8 | 2.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Belvidere | 153.5 | 9.0 | Hard | County estimate |
| Riverdale | 82.3 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Swedesboro | 36.8 | 2.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Ogdensburg | 113.3 | 6.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Lakehurst | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Belleplain | 19.5 | 1.1 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Sea Girt | 76.4 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Pennington | 63.9 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Essex Fells | 324.1 | 18.9 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Wenonah | 36.8 | 2.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Sussex | 113.3 | 6.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Essex Falls | 367.0 | 21.5 | Very hard | Utility-reported |
| Pine Beach | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Fairton | 26.4 | 1.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hopewell | 63.9 | 3.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Highland Lakes | 113.3 | 6.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Allentown | 50.1 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Sparta | 113.3 | 6.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Island Heights | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Newfield | 36.8 | 2.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Branchville | 113.3 | 6.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Hampton | 77.3 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Atco | 43.7 | 2.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Colts Neck | 50.1 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hewitt | 73.9 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Convent Station | 82.3 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Leesburg | 26.4 | 1.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Stockholm | 113.3 | 6.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Califon | 77.3 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Mount Holly | 6.0 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Egg Harbor Township | 11.8 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Montvale | 96.6 | 5.7 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Vincentown | 6.0 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Farmingdale | 50.1 | 2.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Lafayette | 113.3 | 6.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Franklinville | 36.8 | 2.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Wyckoff | 212.0 | 12.4 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Moorestown | 6.0 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Brick | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Pedricktown | 73.0 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Pittstown | 77.3 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Glenwood | 113.3 | 6.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| West Creek | 13.4 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mantua | 36.8 | 2.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Newton | 113.3 | 6.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Hancocks Bridge | 73.0 | 4.3 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Waterford Works | 43.7 | 2.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Montville | 82.3 | 4.8 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| East Brunswick | 66.4 | 3.9 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Andover | 113.3 | 6.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| New Lisbon | 6.0 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
Above 120 mg/L (7 gpg), scale is usually worth treating — see our water softener guide, or size a system with the hardness calculator & converter.
The Geology Behind New Jersey's Water Hardness
New Jersey sits in the Appalachian and Mid-Atlantic mixed terrain region.
The Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian states sit on a patchwork of sandstone, shale, and crystalline rock that yields mostly soft to moderately hard water. The big exception is the region's limestone and dolomite valleys - including the carbonate belt running from Pennsylvania down through the Shenandoah Valley - where groundwater dissolves calcium and magnesium readily and comes out distinctly hard. A city's number here depends heavily on whether its supply draws from upland rivers and reservoirs or from carbonate-valley wells.
New Jersey Water Hardness FAQ
Does New Jersey have hard water?
On the whole, no — New Jersey's statewide median sits below the hard threshold, though some cities run harder. The median is 87.4 mg/L (5.1 gpg) — moderately hard on the USGS scale, where anything above 120 mg/L (7 gpg) counts as hard. 71 of New Jersey's 395 measured cities fall in the hard or very hard bands (18%), so check your own city rather than the state average.
How hard is tap water in New Jersey?
Across the 395 New Jersey cities with measured values in our index, the median hardness is 87.4 mg/L (5.1 gpg) — moderately hard on the USGS scale. Individual cities range from 2.2 to 367.0 mg/L, so check your own city rather than assuming the state number.
Which city in New Jersey has the hardest water?
Essex Falls has the hardest measured tap water in our New Jersey index at 367.0 mg/L (21.5 gpg) — very hard on the USGS scale. Rankings use measured utility values only; labeled county estimates and values under active dispute are excluded.
Do I need a water softener in New Jersey?
71 of New Jersey's 395 measured cities (18%) fall in the hard or very hard bands — above 120 mg/L (7 gpg), the level where most water treatment professionals suggest considering an ion-exchange softener. Hardness varies utility to utility, so look up your own city's value before sizing equipment.
How do I find my city's exact water hardness?
Enter your ZIP code in our free lookup at tapwaterdata.com/zip to see the value we hold for your New Jersey city from utility-reported water quality data, check your water utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), or use a home test-strip kit.
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