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Water Hardness in New York

Across 78 measured cities — with 522 more covered by labeled county-level estimates — New York's median tap water hardness is 48.5 mg/L (2.8 gpg): soft on the USGS scale. Below: every covered city, the state's hardest and softest water, and the geology that explains it.

Data updated September 13, 2026. Sources: utility-reported water quality data and USGS/EPA Water Quality Portal samples.

State Median
48.5
mg/L (2.8 gpg), measured cities
Measured Range
6.1-190.0
mg/L across measured cities
Measured Cities
78
utility-reported or computed values
County Estimates
522
87% of covered cities

What it costs to soften New York water

Water softener cost in New York at 2.8 gpg prices the equipment and the installation labour against the plumber wages published for New York, and labels every range as modelled or measured rather than leaving you to guess which it is.

New York · 2.84 grains per gallon

$985–$1,321

installed, midpoint $1,134 — a 24,000-grain unit, the size 4 people at this hardness need.

Salt and drain water over 10 years: $477–$1,077 — the 3,109,800 grains of hardness this household removes, at the national salt price and water rate whose sources are named below. Filter changes and Service contract are omitted rather than assumed.

Sized for 4 people regenerating every 7 days: 5,964 grains of capacity needed, rounded up to the next common residential size. The median of 78 measured New York cities in our hardness dataset. Modelled: the standard build band published for that state at the size this hardness calls for, equipment priced 2026-10-04 against the May 2025 reference period (OEWS M2025). Salt: the median retailer price of 3 retailers, read 2026-10-04, at a declared salt dose per regeneration. Drain water: about 50 gallons per regeneration from a government extension estimate read 2026-10-04, at the 2024 national average water and sewer rate from a government source read 2026-10-04.

Deciding whether it is worth it at all? Start from how much a water softener costs nationally — the same equipment, installation and ten-year ownership breakdown before any state wage adjustment is applied.

New York Cities by Hardness Category

Measured cities only — labeled county estimates never enter the category counts or the median.

CategoryRangeMeasured citiesShare
Soft0-60 mg/L4456.4%
Moderately hard60-120 mg/L2835.9%
Hard120-180 mg/L56.4%
Very hard>180 mg/L11.3%

Hardest and Softest Water in New York

Measured values only; labeled county estimates and values under active dispute never rank.

Hardest water in New York

  1. Schenectady — 190.0 mg/L (11.1 gpg), very hard
  2. Elmira — 136.0 mg/L (8.0 gpg), hard
  3. Elmira Heights — 136.0 mg/L (8.0 gpg), hard
  4. Ithaca — 128.0 mg/L (7.5 gpg), hard
  5. De Witt — 127.0 mg/L (7.4 gpg), hard

Softest water in New York

  1. Irvington — 6.1 mg/L (0.4 gpg), soft
  2. Harrison — 6.2 mg/L (0.4 gpg), soft
  3. Mamaroneck — 6.2 mg/L (0.4 gpg), soft
  4. Larchmont — 6.4 mg/L (0.4 gpg), soft
  5. Massapequa Park — 6.5 mg/L (0.4 gpg), soft

Every Covered City in New York

All 600 covered New York 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.

CityHardness (mg/L)gpgCategoryData
New York30.41.8SoftUtility-reported
Hauppauge37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Northport37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Brighton112.06.5Moderately hardUtility-reported
Gates112.06.5Moderately hardUtility-reported
Greece112.06.5Moderately hardUtility-reported
Irondequoit112.06.5Moderately hardUtility-reported
Spencerport112.06.5Moderately hardUtility-reported
Camden100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Hannibal176.010.3HardCounty estimate
Cheektowaga109.06.4Moderately hardUtility-reported
Clarence109.06.4Moderately hardUtility-reported
Depew109.06.4Moderately hardUtility-reported
Lackawanna109.06.4Moderately hardUtility-reported
Lancaster109.06.4Moderately hardUtility-reported
Sloan109.06.4Moderately hardUtility-reported
Buffalo86.55.1Moderately hardUtility-reported
Monsey106.06.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Lynbrook29.01.7SoftUtility-reported
Rochester87.85.1Moderately hardUtility-reported
Yonkers34.82.0SoftUtility-reported
Syracuse114.06.7Moderately hardUtility-reported
Eastchester16.91.0SoftUtility-reported
Tuckahoe16.91.0SoftUtility-reported
Marcy100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
New Hartford100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
New York Mills100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Utica100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Whitesboro100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Yorkville100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Hempstead61.23.6Moderately hardComputed from Ca+Mg
Albany48.52.8SoftUtility-reported
Watervliet78.24.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Latham78.24.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Centerport37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Mount Vernon24.21.4SoftUtility-reported
Tonawanda170.09.9HardCounty estimate
Endicott61.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Schenectady190.011.1Very hardUtility-reported
Binghamton61.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Harrison6.20.4SoftUtility-reported
Mamaroneck6.20.4SoftUtility-reported
White Plains22.81.3SoftUtility-reported
Rye Brook28.51.7SoftUtility-reported
Niagara Falls167.09.8HardCounty estimate
Elmira136.08.0HardUtility-reported
Elmira Heights136.08.0HardUtility-reported
Troy58.73.4SoftUtility-reported
North Tonawanda167.09.8HardCounty estimate
Hicksville17.71.0SoftComputed from Ca+Mg
Conklin61.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Kirkwood61.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Garden City48.62.8SoftUtility-reported
Freeport21.31.3SoftUtility-reported
South Farmingdale10.10.6SoftUtility-reported
Hyde Park83.84.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Massapequa Park6.50.4SoftUtility-reported
Lockport167.09.8HardCounty estimate
Greenlawn31.21.8SoftUtility-reported
Hamburg170.09.9HardCounty estimate
Greenburgh17.41.0SoftUtility-reported
Crompond156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Shrub Oak156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Yorktown Heights156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Glens Falls18.21.1SoftCounty estimate
Plattsburgh62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Clifton Park123.07.2HardUtility-reported
Riverhead37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Dix Hills21.01.2SoftUtility-reported
Fort Drum62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Plainview54.23.2SoftUtility-reported
Port Washington71.24.2Moderately hardUtility-reported
Rome22.51.3SoftUtility-reported
West Hempstead32.61.9SoftComputed from Ca+Mg
Apalachin96.75.7Moderately hardCounty estimate
Gloversville15.10.9SoftCounty estimate
Great Neck53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Poughkeepsie87.95.1Moderately hardUtility-reported
New Windsor26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Guilderland83.74.9Moderately hardUtility-reported
Ossining103.06.0Moderately hardUtility-reported
Ithaca128.07.5HardUtility-reported
Oswego176.010.3HardCounty estimate
Newburgh18.81.1SoftUtility-reported
Walworth288.016.8Very hardCounty estimate
Orchard Park170.09.9HardCounty estimate
Peekskill99.85.8Moderately hardUtility-reported
Kingston19.11.1SoftUtility-reported
Amsterdam277.016.2Very hardCounty estimate
Macedon288.016.8Very hardCounty estimate
Batavia238.013.9Very hardCounty estimate
Hartsdale23.31.4SoftUtility-reported
Scarsdale23.31.4SoftUtility-reported
Canandaigua259.015.2Very hardCounty estimate
Queensbury18.21.1SoftCounty estimate
Mineola46.22.7SoftUtility-reported
Westbury44.82.6SoftComputed from Ca+Mg
Cortland157.59.2HardCounty estimate
Franklin Square21.21.2SoftUtility-reported
Stewart Manor21.21.2SoftUtility-reported
Smithtown45.92.7SoftUtility-reported
Grand Island170.09.9HardCounty estimate
Beacon93.85.5Moderately hardUtility-reported
Garden City Park86.65.1Moderately hardComputed from Ca+Mg
Armonk156.09.1HardCounty estimate
South Glens Falls88.35.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Roslyn68.84.0Moderately hardComputed from Ca+Mg
Cohoes78.24.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Massena37.62.2SoftCounty estimate
Fulton176.010.3HardCounty estimate
Johnson City26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Cranberry Lake37.62.2SoftCounty estimate
Ransomville167.09.8HardCounty estimate
De Witt127.07.4HardUtility-reported
Oneonta84.75.0Moderately hardCounty estimate
Clay442.025.9Very hardCounty estimate
Lansing169.59.9HardCounty estimate
Newfane167.09.8HardCounty estimate
East Greenbush104.06.1Moderately hardCounty estimate
Ballston Spa88.35.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Horseheads128.07.5HardCounty estimate
Olean82.44.8Moderately hardCounty estimate
Nyack106.06.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Fort Montgomery26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Malone15.90.9SoftCounty estimate
Hampton Bays37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Suffern106.06.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Dunkirk143.58.4HardCounty estimate
Monroe26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Fishkill83.84.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Oneida21.41.3SoftUtility-reported
Oneida Castle21.41.3SoftUtility-reported
Woodbury53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Warwick26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Bedford Hills156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Tarrytown19.01.1SoftUtility-reported
Victor259.015.2Very hardCounty estimate
Geneseo235.013.7Very hardCounty estimate
Fort Edward108.56.3Moderately hardCounty estimate
Seneca Falls218.512.8Very hardCounty estimate
Fredonia143.58.4HardCounty estimate
Corning110.06.4Moderately hardCounty estimate
Elma170.09.9HardCounty estimate
Wynantskill104.06.1Moderately hardCounty estimate
Ontario288.016.8Very hardCounty estimate
Ogdensburg37.62.2SoftCounty estimate
Lakeville235.013.7Very hardCounty estimate
Sleepy Hollow22.11.3SoftUtility-reported
Waterford88.35.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Mount Kisco54.63.2SoftUtility-reported
Chappaqua156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Pleasantville31.61.9SoftUtility-reported
Rensselaer104.06.1Moderately hardCounty estimate
Burnt Hills88.35.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Baldwinsville442.025.9Very hardCounty estimate
Briarcliff Manor30.21.8SoftUtility-reported
Newark288.016.8Very hardCounty estimate
Katonah156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Waterloo218.512.8Very hardCounty estimate
Dansville235.013.7Very hardCounty estimate
Farmingdale37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Hornell110.06.4Moderately hardCounty estimate
Potsdam37.62.2SoftCounty estimate
Big Flats128.07.5HardCounty estimate
Johnstown15.10.9SoftCounty estimate
Ilion4.70.3SoftCounty estimate
Croton-on-Hudson107.06.3Moderately hardUtility-reported
Woodbourne11.60.7SoftCounty estimate
Middleport167.09.8HardCounty estimate
Herkimer4.70.3SoftCounty estimate
Chester26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Williston Park56.43.3SoftComputed from Ca+Mg
Wilson167.09.8HardCounty estimate
Medina294.017.2Very hardCounty estimate
Goshen26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Walden26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Hudson Falls108.56.3Moderately hardCounty estimate
Irvington6.10.4SoftUtility-reported
East Aurora113.06.6Moderately hardUtility-reported
Williamson288.016.8Very hardCounty estimate
Larchmont6.40.4SoftUtility-reported
Painted Post110.06.4Moderately hardCounty estimate
Brocton143.58.4HardCounty estimate
Greenport37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Avon235.013.7Very hardCounty estimate
Albion294.017.2Very hardCounty estimate
Wappingers Falls113.06.6Moderately hardUtility-reported
Montgomery26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Highland Falls26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Marion288.016.8Very hardCounty estimate
Saranac Lake15.90.9SoftCounty estimate
Penn Yan368.021.5Very hardCounty estimate
Mechanicville88.35.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Harriman26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Alfred86.75.1Moderately hardCounty estimate
Heritage Hills118.06.9Moderately hardUtility-reported
Old Westbury17.61.0SoftUtility-reported
Phelps259.015.2Very hardCounty estimate
Elmsford156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Stillwater88.35.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Coopers Plains110.06.4Moderately hardCounty estimate
Frankfort4.70.3SoftCounty estimate
Ocean Beach37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Port Ewen5.20.3SoftCounty estimate
Brookhaven37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Homer157.59.2HardCounty estimate
Cazenovia203.011.9Very hardCounty estimate
Ellenville5.20.3SoftCounty estimate
Angola170.09.9HardCounty estimate
Hudson95.25.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Corinth88.35.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Highland5.20.3SoftCounty estimate
West Point26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Warsaw211.012.3Very hardCounty estimate
Westfield143.58.4HardCounty estimate
Delhi18.41.1SoftCounty estimate
Mount Morris235.013.7Very hardCounty estimate
Perry211.012.3Very hardCounty estimate
Sidney18.41.1SoftCounty estimate
Warrensburg18.21.1SoftCounty estimate
Palmyra288.016.8Very hardCounty estimate
Whitehall108.56.3Moderately hardCounty estimate
Ticonderoga14.90.9SoftCounty estimate
Bolton Landing18.21.1SoftCounty estimate
Carthage62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Manchester259.015.2Very hardCounty estimate
Upton37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Stanley259.015.2Very hardCounty estimate
Geneva259.015.2Very hardCounty estimate
Owego96.75.7Moderately hardCounty estimate
Walton18.41.1SoftCounty estimate
Lee Center100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Sherrill100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Lima235.013.7Very hardCounty estimate
Akron170.09.9HardCounty estimate
Bliss211.012.3Very hardCounty estimate
Silver Creek143.58.4HardCounty estimate
Voorheesville78.24.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Champlain62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Greenwood Lake26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Auburn201.011.8Very hardCounty estimate
Shortsville259.015.2Very hardCounty estimate
Blooming Grove26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Branchport368.021.5Very hardCounty estimate
Clinton100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Maybrook26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Mohawk4.70.3SoftCounty estimate
Florida26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Allegany82.44.8Moderately hardCounty estimate
St. Bonaventure82.44.8Moderately hardCounty estimate
Oakfield238.013.9Very hardCounty estimate
Gowanda82.44.8Moderately hardCounty estimate
Lake George18.21.1SoftCounty estimate
Lewiston167.09.8HardCounty estimate
Red Hook83.84.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Peru62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
York235.013.7Very hardCounty estimate
Alden170.09.9HardCounty estimate
Cold Spring76.04.4Moderately hardCounty estimate
Attica211.012.3Very hardCounty estimate
Schaghticoke104.06.1Moderately hardCounty estimate
Hurley5.20.3SoftCounty estimate
Arcade211.012.3Very hardCounty estimate
Skaneateles442.025.9Very hardCounty estimate
Rouses Point62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Fishers Island37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Hadley88.35.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Lake Luzerne18.21.1SoftCounty estimate
Southold37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Granville108.56.3Moderately hardCounty estimate
Bedford156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Belmont86.75.1Moderately hardCounty estimate
Cooperstown84.75.0Moderately hardCounty estimate
Ray Brook14.90.9SoftCounty estimate
Verona100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Rushville368.021.5Very hardCounty estimate
Canisteo110.06.4Moderately hardCounty estimate
Boonville100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Canajoharie277.016.2Very hardCounty estimate
Keeseville62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Newfield169.59.9HardCounty estimate
Norfolk37.62.2SoftCounty estimate
Trumansburg169.59.9HardCounty estimate
Weedsport201.011.8Very hardCounty estimate
Clyde288.016.8Very hardCounty estimate
Fort Plain277.016.2Very hardCounty estimate
Caledonia235.013.7Very hardCounty estimate
Brewster76.04.4Moderately hardCounty estimate
Buchanan156.09.1HardCounty estimate
North Rose288.016.8Very hardCounty estimate
Verplanck156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Morrisville203.011.9Very hardCounty estimate
Montour Falls114.06.7Moderately hardCounty estimate
Dolgeville15.10.9SoftCounty estimate
Chatham95.25.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Holley294.017.2Very hardCounty estimate
Watkins Glen114.06.7Moderately hardCounty estimate
Phoenix176.010.3HardCounty estimate
Clayton62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Mexico176.010.3HardCounty estimate
Pawling83.84.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Wingdale83.84.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Deposit61.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Southampton85.25.0Moderately hardUtility-reported
Youngstown167.09.8HardCounty estimate
Adams62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Adams Center62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Athens13.90.8SoftCounty estimate
Caneadea86.75.1Moderately hardCounty estimate
Dryden169.59.9HardCounty estimate
Greenwich108.56.3Moderately hardCounty estimate
Kinderhook95.25.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Mayville143.58.4HardCounty estimate
Millerton83.84.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Union Springs201.011.8Very hardCounty estimate
Valatie95.25.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Wayland110.06.4Moderately hardCounty estimate
Melrose104.06.1Moderately hardCounty estimate
Moravia201.011.8Very hardCounty estimate
Alexandria Bay62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Milton5.20.3SoftCounty estimate
Addison110.06.4Moderately hardCounty estimate
West Nyack106.06.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Fonda277.016.2Very hardCounty estimate
Sodus288.016.8Very hardCounty estimate
Bloomfield259.015.2Very hardCounty estimate
Cuba86.75.1Moderately hardCounty estimate
Greene94.15.5Moderately hardCounty estimate
Philadelphia62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Dundee368.021.5Very hardCounty estimate
Franklinville82.44.8Moderately hardCounty estimate
Philmont95.25.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Waterville100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Oxford94.15.5Moderately hardCounty estimate
Randolph82.44.8Moderately hardCounty estimate
St. Johnsville15.10.9SoftCounty estimate
Norwood37.62.2SoftCounty estimate
Holland170.09.9HardCounty estimate
Lowville11.10.7SoftCounty estimate
Castile211.012.3Very hardCounty estimate
Black River62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Nunda235.013.7Very hardCounty estimate
Willsboro14.90.9SoftCounty estimate
Bainbridge94.15.5Moderately hardCounty estimate
Sherburne94.15.5Moderately hardCounty estimate
Elbridge442.025.9Very hardCounty estimate
Cape Vincent62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Ellisburg62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
New Berlin84.75.0Moderately hardCounty estimate
Sodus Point288.016.8Very hardCounty estimate
Sonyea235.013.7Very hardCounty estimate
Wallkill5.20.3SoftCounty estimate
Broadalbin15.10.9SoftCounty estimate
Ellicottville82.44.8Moderately hardCounty estimate
Gansevoort88.35.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Lyndonville294.017.2Very hardCounty estimate
Cairo13.90.8SoftCounty estimate
Jordan442.025.9Very hardCounty estimate
Friendship86.75.1Moderately hardCounty estimate
Burdett114.06.7Moderately hardCounty estimate
Tivoli83.84.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Morrisonville62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Ripley143.58.4HardCounty estimate
Schuylerville88.35.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Stamford125.07.3HardCounty estimate
Wurtsboro11.60.7SoftCounty estimate
Westmoreland100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Naples259.015.2Very hardCounty estimate
Star Lake37.62.2SoftCounty estimate
New City106.06.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Valley Cottage106.06.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Brownville62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Richfield Springs84.75.0Moderately hardCounty estimate
Stormville83.84.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Little Valley82.44.8Moderately hardCounty estimate
Cattaraugus82.44.8Moderately hardCounty estimate
Hancock18.41.1SoftCounty estimate
Lagrangeville83.84.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Orangeburg106.06.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Andover86.75.1Moderately hardCounty estimate
Marathon157.59.2HardCounty estimate
Portville86.75.1Moderately hardCounty estimate
Chateaugay15.90.9SoftCounty estimate
Dexter62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Greenville13.90.8SoftCounty estimate
North Creek18.21.1SoftCounty estimate
Tuxedo Park25.01.5SoftUtility-reported
Delevan82.44.8Moderately hardCounty estimate
Otisville26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Nassau104.06.1Moderately hardCounty estimate
Whitney Point61.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Windsor61.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Hunter13.90.8SoftCounty estimate
Westport14.90.9SoftCounty estimate
Otego84.75.0Moderately hardCounty estimate
Amenia83.84.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Clifton Springs259.015.2Very hardCounty estimate
Glenwood Landing53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Hillburn106.06.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Livingston Manor11.60.7SoftCounty estimate
Northville4.60.3SoftCounty estimate
Norwich94.15.5Moderately hardCounty estimate
Leicester235.013.7Very hardCounty estimate
Keene14.90.9SoftCounty estimate
Savannah288.016.8Very hardCounty estimate
Waddington37.62.2SoftCounty estimate
Jamestown143.58.4HardCounty estimate
Canaseraga86.75.1Moderately hardCounty estimate
Fort Covington15.90.9SoftCounty estimate
Elizabethtown14.90.9SoftCounty estimate
Copenhagen11.10.7SoftCounty estimate
Prattsburgh110.06.4Moderately hardCounty estimate
Silver Springs211.012.3Very hardCounty estimate
Arkport110.06.4Moderately hardCounty estimate
Heuvelton37.62.2SoftCounty estimate
Mayfield15.10.9SoftCounty estimate
Forestville143.58.4HardCounty estimate
Madrid37.62.2SoftCounty estimate
Slingerlands78.24.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Alexander238.013.9Very hardCounty estimate
Beaver Falls11.10.7SoftCounty estimate
Sinclairville143.58.4HardCounty estimate
Cassadaga143.58.4HardCounty estimate
Poestenkill104.06.1Moderately hardCounty estimate
Chestertown18.21.1SoftCounty estimate
Fultonville277.016.2Very hardCounty estimate
Round Lake88.35.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Hammondsport110.06.4Moderately hardCounty estimate
Dresden368.021.5Very hardCounty estimate
Elba238.013.9Very hardCounty estimate
Chazy62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Oriskany Falls100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Carmel76.04.4Moderately hardCounty estimate
South Dayton82.44.8Moderately hardCounty estimate
Altona62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Franklin18.41.1SoftCounty estimate
Munnsville203.011.9Very hardCounty estimate
Saratoga Springs88.35.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Perrysburg82.44.8Moderately hardCounty estimate
Wellsburg128.07.5HardCounty estimate
Fort Ann108.56.3Moderately hardCounty estimate
Shelter Island37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Almond86.75.1Moderately hardCounty estimate
Durhamville100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Saranac62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Lisbon37.62.2SoftCounty estimate
Wyoming211.012.3Very hardCounty estimate
Shelter Island Heights37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Deansboro100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Parishville37.62.2SoftCounty estimate
Worcester84.75.0Moderately hardCounty estimate
Clayville4.70.3SoftCounty estimate
Burke15.90.9SoftCounty estimate
Springwater259.015.2Very hardCounty estimate
Deferiet62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Farnham170.09.9HardCounty estimate
Putnam Valley76.04.4Moderately hardCounty estimate
Morristown37.62.2SoftCounty estimate
Lyon Mountain62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Laurens84.75.0Moderately hardCounty estimate
Calverton37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Willard218.512.8Very hardCounty estimate
Castorland11.10.7SoftCounty estimate
Evans Mills62.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Little Falls4.70.3SoftCounty estimate
Brooklyn81.04.7Moderately hardCounty estimate
Millport128.07.5HardCounty estimate
West Oneonta84.75.0Moderately hardCounty estimate
Greenwood110.06.4Moderately hardCounty estimate
Highland Mills26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Manorville37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Freeville169.59.9HardCounty estimate
Rock Hill11.60.7SoftCounty estimate
Rye156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Pomona106.06.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Sandy Creek176.010.3HardCounty estimate
Essex14.90.9SoftCounty estimate
Stony Point106.06.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Lake Katrine5.20.3SoftCounty estimate
Wilmington14.90.9SoftCounty estimate
Rush269.015.7Very hardCounty estimate
Treadwell18.41.1SoftCounty estimate
Moira15.90.9SoftCounty estimate
Canton37.62.2SoftCounty estimate
Fishs Eddy18.41.1SoftCounty estimate
Madison203.011.9Very hardCounty estimate
West Hurley5.20.3SoftCounty estimate
Delmar78.24.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Pittsford269.015.7Very hardCounty estimate
Brookfield203.011.9Very hardCounty estimate
Rock Tavern26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Pennellville176.010.3HardCounty estimate
Speculator4.60.3SoftCounty estimate
East Chatham95.25.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Fort Johnson277.016.2Very hardCounty estimate
Pine Valley128.07.5HardCounty estimate
Dewittville143.58.4HardCounty estimate
Unadilla84.75.0Moderately hardCounty estimate
Port Byron201.011.8Very hardCounty estimate
Woodstock5.20.3SoftCounty estimate
Accord5.20.3SoftCounty estimate
East Rochester269.015.7Very hardCounty estimate
Altamont78.24.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Croton Falls156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Sauquoit100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
South New Berlin84.75.0Moderately hardCounty estimate
Modena5.20.3SoftCounty estimate
Vestal61.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Berkshire96.75.7Moderately hardCounty estimate
Alfred Station86.75.1Moderately hardCounty estimate
Preble157.59.2HardCounty estimate
Groton169.59.9HardCounty estimate
Kerhonkson5.20.3SoftCounty estimate
Rocky Point37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Somers156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Oriskany100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Ava100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Selkirk78.24.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Vernon100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Cambridge108.56.3Moderately hardCounty estimate
Colden170.09.9HardCounty estimate
Central Valley26.21.5SoftCounty estimate
Rensselaer Falls37.62.2SoftCounty estimate
Spring Valley106.06.2Moderately hardCounty estimate
Glenmont78.24.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Albertson53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Amityville37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Babylon37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Baldwin53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Barker167.09.8HardCounty estimate
Bellerose419.524.5Very hardCounty estimate
Bethpage53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Brewerton442.025.9Very hardCounty estimate
Bridgeport203.011.9Very hardCounty estimate
Camillus442.025.9Very hardCounty estimate
Canastota203.011.9Very hardCounty estimate
Carle Place53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Central Square176.010.3HardCounty estimate
Chittenango203.011.9Very hardCounty estimate
Clarence Center170.09.9HardCounty estimate
Cleveland100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Collins170.09.9HardCounty estimate
Constantia176.010.3HardCounty estimate
Copiague37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Cortlandt Manor156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Cottekill5.20.3SoftCounty estimate
Downsville18.41.1SoftCounty estimate
East Meadow53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
East Syracuse442.025.9Very hardCounty estimate
Eden170.09.9HardCounty estimate
Elmont53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Fayetteville442.025.9Very hardCounty estimate
Floral Park53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Flushing419.524.5Very hardCounty estimate
Frewsburg143.58.4HardCounty estimate
Greenvale53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Hawthorne156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Hemlock259.015.2Very hardCounty estimate
Hilton269.015.7Very hardCounty estimate
Huntington37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Kings Park37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Levittown53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Lindenhurst37.92.2SoftCounty estimate
Liverpool442.025.9Very hardCounty estimate
Mahopac76.04.4Moderately hardCounty estimate
Malverne53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Manhasset53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Manlius442.025.9Very hardCounty estimate
Marcellus442.025.9Very hardCounty estimate
Massapequa53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Merrick53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Minetto176.010.3HardCounty estimate
Minoa442.025.9Very hardCounty estimate
Napanoch5.20.3SoftCounty estimate
Nedrow442.025.9Very hardCounty estimate
New Hyde Park53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
New Rochelle156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Newark Valley96.75.7Moderately hardCounty estimate
Oceanside53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Old Bethpage53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Old Forge4.70.3SoftCounty estimate
Ovid218.512.8Very hardCounty estimate
Patterson76.04.4Moderately hardCounty estimate
Paul Smiths15.90.9SoftCounty estimate
Pelham156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Port Chester156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Port Crane61.03.6Moderately hardCounty estimate
Richmondville125.07.3HardCounty estimate
Rockville Centre53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Roosevelt53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Roslyn Heights53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Schroon Lake14.90.9SoftCounty estimate
Seaford53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Sylvan Beach100.55.9Moderately hardCounty estimate
Syosset53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Thornwood156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Uniondale53.53.1SoftCounty estimate
Valhalla156.09.1HardCounty estimate
Wampsville203.011.9Very hardCounty estimate
Wantagh53.53.1SoftCounty 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 York's Water Hardness

New York 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.

Source: USGS - Principal Aquifers of the United States

New York Water Hardness FAQ

Does New York have hard water?

On the whole, no — New York's statewide median sits below the hard threshold, though some cities run harder. The median is 48.5 mg/L (2.8 gpg) — soft on the USGS scale, where anything above 120 mg/L (7 gpg) counts as hard. 6 of New York's 78 measured cities fall in the hard or very hard bands (8%), so check your own city rather than the state average.

How hard is tap water in New York?

Across the 78 New York cities with measured values in our index, the median hardness is 48.5 mg/L (2.8 gpg) — soft on the USGS scale. Individual cities range from 6.1 to 190.0 mg/L, so check your own city rather than assuming the state number.

Which city in New York has the hardest water?

Schenectady has the hardest measured tap water in our New York index at 190.0 mg/L (11.1 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 York?

6 of New York's 78 measured cities (8%) 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 York city from utility-reported water quality data, check your water utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), or use a home test-strip kit.

Need whole-house or professional water treatment?

For the problems a pitcher or under-sink filter cannot fix — scale, rust and black staining, sulfur smell, well contamination, or test results you cannot explain. Tell us what is happening and we will connect you with a local water-treatment professional.

TapWaterData may be compensated when you are connected with a water-treatment professional.

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