We Tested Marina Water at Local Docks. Here's What We Found.

Not all dock water is created equal.

Most boat owners assume the water coming from the dock is good enough for washdowns, rinsing, and onboard use. While that's often true, the quality of marina water can vary significantly from one location to another.

Recently, we tested water quality at several local marinas using a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter to better understand what boat owners may be bringing onboard every day.

The results were eye-opening.

Our Marina Water Test Results

Using a handheld TDS meter, we measured the dissolved solids present in dock water at several marina locations.

Marina A

280 PPM

Marina B

340 PPM

Marina C

190 PPM

While all three readings fall within ranges commonly seen in municipal water supplies, the variation between locations demonstrates an important point:

The water at your dock may contain significantly more dissolved minerals than you realize.

What Does TDS Mean?

TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids.

A TDS meter measures dissolved substances in water, including:

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Sodium
• Iron
• Minerals
• Salts
• Other dissolved particles

The higher the TDS reading, the more dissolved material is present in the water.

While TDS alone doesn't determine whether water is safe to drink, it can provide valuable insight into water quality and the potential for spotting, buildup, and maintenance challenges onboard.

Why Should Boat Owners Care?

Hard water and elevated mineral content can contribute to:

Water Spots

As water evaporates, dissolved minerals remain behind on glass, stainless steel, gelcoat, and painted surfaces.

Increased Cleaning Time

More minerals often mean more wiping, polishing, and detailing after every washdown.

Mineral Buildup

Over time, hard water can leave deposits on fixtures, hoses, and plumbing components.

Less Effective Soaps

Hard water can reduce the effectiveness of soaps and cleaning products, requiring more effort to achieve the same results.

The Difference Water Treatment Can Make

We recently tested incoming dock water measuring approximately 300 PPM.

After passing through a Waypoint Water Systems treatment system, the water measured approximately 10 PPM.

The reduction was dramatic.

While TDS is only one indicator of water quality, reducing dissolved solids can help improve washdowns, reduce spotting, and provide a cleaner overall boating experience.

Better Water Onboard

At Waypoint Water Systems, we believe water quality matters.

Whether you're washing down a center console after a day offshore or maintaining a yacht to the highest standards, the quality of your rinse water plays a major role in the final result.

Our Voyager, Odyssey, Trident, and Signature Series systems are designed specifically for life on the water, helping boat owners enjoy cleaner water wherever their adventures take them.

Curious About Your Marina Water?

The next time you're at the dock, test it.

You may be surprised by what you're bringing onboard.

And if you're tired of fighting water spots after every washdown, it might be time to upgrade your water.

Waypoint Water Systems

Premium Water for Your Boat™