Avondale Water Quality Breakdown
- Water Hardness: 18.3 GPG / 312.9 PPM
- Hardness Level: Very Hard
- Water Source: County Average (WQP)
Compared to the U.S. national average of approximately 5 GPG, Avondale's water is more than three times harder. Having 18.3 GPG means that for every gallon of water that passes through your home's plumbing, it carries the equivalent of 18.3 grains of dissolved rock, primarily calcium and magnesium.
The Real Cost of Hard Water on Your Home
The high mineral content in Avondale's water directly translates to higher household costs and premature appliance failure. Each year, an average household will see 4.3 pounds of calcium carbonate (limescale) build up inside pipes, faucets, and critical appliances like your water heater and dishwasher.
- Water Heaters: Limescale acts as an insulator between the heating element or gas burner and the water. This forces your gas water heater to work up to 25% harder to reach the target temperature. A heater that should last 12-15 years will fail in as little as 6 years in these conditions.
- Washing Machines & Dishwashers: Hard water requires 30-50% more soap and detergent to achieve the same level of cleaning, leaving behind a chalky residue on clothes and dishes.
- Kettles & Coffee Makers: The visible white scale you see in your kettle not only affects the taste of your beverages but is a clear indicator of the damage happening invisibly inside more expensive appliances.
How Very Hard Water Affects Your Family
While hard water is not considered a direct health hazard, its effects on skin and hair are undeniable. The high mineral content prevents soap and shampoo from lathering effectively, leaving behind a residue that can lead to:
- Dry, itchy skin and aggravated conditions like eczema.
- Dull, brittle hair and an irritated scalp.
- A feeling of film or residue on your skin after showering.
For families with infants, using very hard water to prepare baby formula can introduce a high concentration of minerals that may be a consideration for some parents.
Filtration Guide for Avondale's Water
With water hardness at 18.3 GPG, targeted filtration is a sound financial investment, not a luxury.
- Best Solution: A whole-house, salt-based water softener is the most effective solution. It removes the hardness minerals entirely, protecting your entire plumbing system and all water-using appliances. For superior drinking water, pair it with an under-sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) system.
- Alternative: Salt-free water conditioners can be an option for those who want to prevent scale buildup without using salt, though they do not physically remove the minerals from the water.
A whole-house softener (around $1,500 installed) pays for itself in approximately 7.7 years by delivering annual savings of $194 on energy bills, detergents, and avoided appliance replacements. This doesn't even account for the $600-$900 many families spend on bottled water, an expense an RO system eliminates entirely.