Peoria Water Quality Analysis
- Water Hardness: 18.3 Grains per Gallon (GPG)
- Equivalent Hardness: 312.9 Parts per Million (PPM)
- Water Sources: A blend of the Salt River Project (SRP), Central Arizona Project (CAP), and local groundwater wells.
This hardness level is more than three times the national average of about 5 GPG. '18.3 GPG' means your pipes and appliances are constantly exposed to a high concentration of dissolved rock, which leads to limescale buildup.
How 18.3 GPG Water Impacts Your Peoria Home's Appliances
Very hard water significantly shortens the lifespan of your major appliances and inflates your utility bills. A standard gas or electric water heater, designed to last 12-15 years, will fail in as little as 6 years when running on Peoria's water.
- Scale Buildup is the Culprit: Each year, 4.3 lbs of calcium scale builds up inside your pipes and water heater. In a gas heater, this scale forces the burner to run longer, wasting fuel. For electric heaters managed by Arizona Public Service Co, this scale encases and burns out the heating element.
- Reduced Efficiency: Your dishwasher, washing machine, and coffee maker all struggle. They require 30-50% more soap and detergent to work properly and are prone to clogs in spray nozzles and supply lines.
- Clear Savings: The reduced efficiency of your water heater alone contributes to the estimated $194 in potential annual savings you could achieve with softened water.
Effects of Hard Water on Skin and Hair
While the water in Peoria is municipally treated and safe, its high mineral content can cause noticeable cosmetic and comfort issues for your family.
- Chronic Dryness: The minerals in very hard water can disrupt the natural moisture barrier of your skin and hair. This often results in persistently dry, flaky skin, an itchy scalp, and hair that feels brittle and looks dull.
- Residue Buildup: Hard water minerals react poorly with soaps, creating a film that doesn't rinse clean. This residue can lead to clogged pores and a feeling of being not-quite-clean after a shower.
Choosing the Right Water Treatment System for Peoria
Given the 'very hard' water at 18.3 GPG, a whole-house water treatment system is the most practical investment to protect your home's plumbing and appliances.
- Primary Recommendation: A traditional salt-based water softener is the most complete solution. It actively removes calcium and magnesium ions. For the best quality drinking water, combine it with an under-sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) system.
- Alternative Option: If you're concerned about sodium or brine discharge, a salt-free water conditioner is a viable alternative. These systems condition the minerals to prevent scale but do not remove them, so the water will not feel 'soft.'
Is It a Good Investment? With potential savings of $194 per year from lower energy and detergent costs, a typical water softener system (approx. $1,500 installed) achieves payback in about 7.7 years—well within the lifespan of the appliances it protects.