Moderately Hard

ZIP Code 22217

Arlington County, Virginia

110PPM (mg/L)
6.4Grains/Gallon
9Monitoring stations
060120180250
110ppm
6.4 grains per gallon
Moderately Hard

What This Means

Arlington County, Virginia has moderately hard water, estimated at 110 mg/L (PPM). At this level, you may notice some mineral buildup on fixtures and inside appliances over time. A water softener is optional but can help extend appliance life. Most people don't notice significant issues at this hardness level.

What You Should Do

1
Monitor for minor effects. At 110 ppm, you may notice occasional water spots on dishes or light mineral buildup on fixtures over time.
2
Consider a shower filter if you notice dry skin or hair. A simple shower head filter ($15–40) can reduce mineral contact and improve skin and hair health.
3
A whole-house softener is optional at this level. If you want to prevent all scale buildup, a salt-free conditioner ($300–800) is a low-maintenance option.

Hardness Details

ZIP Code22217
CountyArlington
City
StateVirginia (VA)
Hardness (PPM)110 mg/L — Moderately Hard
Hardness (GPG)6.4 grains/gallon
Classification61 - 120 mg/L

Source: USGS Water Quality Portal, county-level median

USGS Monitoring Data

Monitoring Stations9
Range15 – 268 mg/L
Most Recent Data2026
Data QualityMeasured

Source: USGS Water Quality Portal

Effects at 110 PPM Hardness

Skin & HairMildPipesMildLaundryMildTasteMild

At 110 ppm, some minor effects are possible: slight soap scum on shower doors, occasional water spots on dishes and glassware. Sensitive skin may notice dryness after showers. Appliance efficiency is minimally affected, but you may see light mineral deposits on faucets over time.

Is Arlington County Water Safe to Drink?

Yes. Hard water at 110 ppm in Arlington County is safe to drink. The calcium and magnesium that make water hard are actually essential minerals your body needs daily. The World Health Organization confirms there are no health-based guidelines for water hardness.

At this level, taste is generally good. Most people will not notice a mineral flavor, and the water is perfectly suitable for drinking, cooking, and making coffee or tea.

Your Water vs National Average

SoftModerateHardVery HardUS Avg: 100 ppmYou: 110 ppm0 ppm280+ ppm

Arlington County water at 110 ppm is 10% harder than the US average of approximately 100 ppm. This is close to the national average. While not urgently requiring treatment, monitoring for scale buildup is advisable.

Best Solution for 110 PPM Water

Consider a shower filter ($15–40) for skin and hair benefits. At 110 ppm, a KDF or vitamin C shower filter can reduce mineral contact during bathing. A whole-house salt-free conditioner ($300–800) is an optional but effective way to prevent minor scale buildup on fixtures and appliances without adding sodium to your water.

Arlington County Water Hardness Map

Soft   Moderate   Hard   Very Hard

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the water hardness for ZIP code 22217?

ZIP code 22217 is in Arlington County, Virginia, with estimated water hardness of 110 mg/L (6.4 GPG), classified as moderately hard.

Do I need a water softener in 22217?

With moderately hard water at 110 PPM, a water softener is optional. You may notice some minor scale buildup over time.

What county is ZIP code 22217 in?

ZIP code 22217 is in Arlington County, Virginia (VA).

Is Arlington County water hard or soft?

Arlington County water is classified as moderately hard with an estimated hardness of 110 ppm (6.4 GPG). This is moderately hard — some minor mineral effects may be noticeable.

Is hard water in 22217 safe to drink?

Yes, hard water in ZIP code 22217 at 110 ppm is safe to drink. The calcium and magnesium minerals are actually beneficial for your health. At this level, the water tastes normal and requires no filtration for drinking purposes.

Will 110 PPM water damage my appliances?

At 110 ppm (moderately hard), minor scale buildup is possible over many years but significant appliance damage is unlikely. Regular descaling maintenance is sufficient.

Do I need a water softener in Arlington County?

Arlington County has moderately hard water at 110 ppm. A softener is optional but can help if you notice dry skin or minor scale.

Is Arlington County water OK for aquariums and plants?

Generally yes. At 110 ppm, most freshwater fish and plants will do fine. Check species-specific requirements for sensitive fish.