Sun Lakes Water Quality Data
- Water Hardness: 18.3 GPG (312.9 ppm)
- Hardness Level: Very Hard
- Water Source: County Average (Groundwater)
To put this in perspective, the US average is around 5 GPG. Sun Lakes' water is nearly four times harder than the national average. Each 'grain' represents a dissolved concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium, equivalent to one grain of a common aspirin tablet dissolved in a gallon of water.
The Real Cost of Hard Water on Your Appliances
The 18.3 GPG hardness level in Sun Lakes directly translates to higher household costs. Each year, your plumbing system accumulates approximately 4.3 pounds of calcium carbonate (limescale). This mineral buildup has serious consequences:
- Water Heaters: Scale acts as insulation between your water heater's gas burner or electric element and the water itself. This forces the unit to work 15-25% harder to heat water, reflected in your Arizona Public Service Co bill. A normal heater lasts 12-15 years; with this water, expect its lifespan to be cut to just 6 years.
- Dishwashers & Washing Machines: Hard water requires 30-50% more soap and detergent to achieve the same cleaning power, leaving behind a film on dishes and making clothes feel stiff.
- Kettles & Coffee Makers: The visible white crust you see on heating elements not only affects the taste of your beverages but is a clear indicator of the scale silently damaging more expensive appliances.
How Very Hard Water Affects Your Family
While municipal water in Sun Lakes is safe to drink, its extreme hardness impacts daily life. The high mineral content prevents soap and shampoo from lathering properly, leaving a residue on skin and hair. This can lead to:
- Dry, itchy skin and aggravated eczema
- Dull, brittle hair and an irritated scalp
- A persistent feeling of 'uncleanliness' due to soap scum
It's not a direct health hazard, but it significantly degrades the quality of bathing and cleaning for your family.
The Right Filtration Solution for Sun Lakes
With water hardness at 18.3 GPG, simple pitcher filters are ineffective against mineral scale. A comprehensive approach is necessary to protect your home.
- Recommended System: A whole-house, salt-based water softener is the most effective solution. It removes the hardness minerals at the source, protecting all pipes and appliances. Pair this with an under-sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) system for purified drinking and cooking water.
- Salt-Free Alternative: A salt-free water conditioner can be considered if you wish to avoid salt discharge, though it primarily prevents scale from sticking rather than removing the minerals.
The Payback Calculation: A whole-house softener (~$1,500 installed) pays for itself in approximately 7.7 years through savings of $194 per year on energy, detergent, and deferred appliance replacement costs.