Litchfield Park Water Quality Analysis
- Water Hardness: 18.3 GPG (312.9 PPM)
- Hardness Level: Very Hard
- Water Source: Municipal supply, derived from a blend of sources including local groundwater and the Colorado River.
For perspective, the national average for water hardness is around 5 GPG. Litchfield Park's water is more than three and a half times harder. "18.3 GPG" means that for every gallon of water that passes through your pipes, 18.3 grains of dissolved calcium and magnesium (the equivalent of a crushed aspirin tablet) are left behind.
The Financial Cost of Hard Water
The impact on your home is direct and expensive. Annually, an average household will accumulate 4.3 pounds of solid rock scale inside pipes and appliances. This has serious consequences:
- Water Heaters: Scale acts as insulation inside your tank. For a gas water heater, this forces the burner to work up to 25% harder to heat the water, wasting fuel and driving up your utility bills from Arizona Public Service Co. The average water heater lifespan is cut from 12-15 years down to just 6 years.
- Dishwashers & Washing Machines: Hard water requires 30-50% more soap and detergent to achieve the same level of clean, leaving behind a chalky residue on dishes and making clothes stiff.
- Kettles & Coffee Makers: The visible white scale you see inside these small appliances is a preview of what's happening inside your larger, more expensive systems. This buildup affects taste and shortens their lifespan.
How Hard Water Affects Your Family
While municipal water in Litchfield Park is safe to drink, its extreme hardness has noticeable effects on skin and hair. The high mineral content prevents soap and shampoo from lathering properly, leaving behind a residue that can lead to:
- Dry, itchy skin and irritated scalp
- Dull, brittle, and difficult-to-manage hair
- Aggravation of skin conditions like eczema
For families with infants, using very hard water to prepare formula is safe, but it can cause mineral buildup in bottles and sterilizers, requiring more frequent and vigorous cleaning.
Choosing the Right Filtration System
With water hardness over 15 GPG, a simple pitcher filter is not enough to protect your home. A comprehensive solution is necessary.
- Best Solution: A whole-house, salt-based water softener is the most effective choice. It removes the hardness minerals entirely, protecting every pipe, faucet, and appliance. Pairing this with an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system provides purified, great-tasting drinking water.
- The Payback: A professionally installed water softener costs around $1,500. With estimated annual savings of $194 on energy, detergents, and extended appliance life, the system pays for itself in approximately 7.7 years. This calculation doesn't even include the savings from eliminating bottled water, which can cost families $600-$900 per year.