Is my water soft or hard?

TVWD purchases water from two different wholesale sources, each with slightly different characteristics of hardness or softness of water. Depending on time of year and other seasonal conditions, customers may receive water from either source or a blend of both sources. 

Water hardness scale
Classification mg/l or ppm grains per gallon
Soft 0 - 17.1 0 -1
Slightly hard 17.1 - 60 1 - 3.5
Moderately hard 60 - 120 3.5 - 7.0
Hard 120 - 180 7.0 - 10.5
Very hard 180 & higher 10.5 & higher

 

Are TVWD's water sources hard or soft?

The Joint Water Commission (JWC) source has a hardness value of 34 parts per million (ppm) or approximately 2 grains per gallon (slightly hard). Portland Water Bureau’s Bull Run is typically 3 - 8 ppm or approximately ¼ - ½ a grain of hardness per gallon (soft).

During the summer, the Bull Run supply may be augmented with a percentage of groundwater from the Columbia South Shore Well Field to meet seasonal demands. When blended, it can increase the hardness to a level very close to that of JWC’s water.

Additionally, TVWD adds Aquifer Storage and Recovery water to system water in warmer months, which can also increase the hardness of the water. Depending on your location, you may receive water from both sources in varying amounts. But generally speaking, your water is on the softer end of the scale.

Further details explaining more about TVWD's system operations can be found on our news feed.

 

 

 

Category: Hardness and pH
What should my pH read?

Water leaving the JWC Water Treatment Plant has a target pH of 7.7. Portland Water Bureau targets a pH of 8.2. TVWD continuously monitors pH with multiple online water quality analyzers and by collecting hundreds of routine samples in the system every month. Readings typically range from 7.7 to 8.3.

If you’re using a home test kit, you may want to double check your results. pH strips that rely on comparing the strip to a color chart may not provide accurate results. The Oregon Health Authority requires ongoing pH testing of TVWD’s water to consistently test above 7.4 to maintain optimal corrosion control of the water system.

Category: Hardness and pH
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