Water Analysis for Avra Valley
Your home's water quality profile reveals significant mineral content that directly impacts your daily life and budget.
- Water Hardness: 14.7 GPG (Grains per Gallon)
- Water Hardness: 251.4 PPM (Parts Per Million)
- Water Source: County Average (WQP)
For comparison, the U.S. national average is around 5 GPG. Avra Valley's water is nearly three times harder than average. A GPG of 14.7 means that for every gallon of water that passes through your pipes, a mineral content equivalent to 14.7 grains of dissolved rock is left behind.
The Real Cost of Hard Water on Your Home
The high mineral content in your water isn't just an inconvenience; it has a measurable financial impact. Over a year, an average household in Avra Valley will see about 3.5 pounds of calcium carbonate—solid rock scale—build up inside pipes and appliances.
This scale is especially damaging to your water heater. It acts as a layer of insulation between the gas burner or electric element and the water. With 14.7 GPG water, your heater has to work up to 25% harder to heat water, increasing your utility bills from Tucson Electric Power Co. A standard gas water heater should last 12-15 years, but with this water, its lifespan is cut nearly in half to just 7.7 years. The same damage occurs in dishwashers, washing machines, and electric kettles, leading to premature failure and costly replacements.
How Very Hard Water Affects Your Family
While not a direct health hazard, very hard water creates noticeable daily frustrations. The high mineral content prevents soap from lathering effectively, leaving a residue on your skin and hair. This leads to:
- Dry, itchy skin and scalp
- Dull, brittle hair that's difficult to manage
- Soap scum buildup on shower doors and fixtures
For families with infants, using hard water to prepare baby formula can be a concern due to the high concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Filtration Guide for 14.7 GPG Water
With water hardness at this level, spot treatments like pitcher filters are insufficient. You need a whole-house solution to protect your home's plumbing and appliances.
- Primary Recommendation: A whole-house, salt-based water softener combined with an under-sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) system for pure drinking water. The softener removes the damaging minerals entirely.
- Alternative: For those concerned with salt discharge, a salt-free water conditioner can prevent scale buildup, though it won't provide the same 'soft water' feel.
The Payback: A whole-house softener costs around $1,500 installed. However, it pays for itself in approximately 9.5 years through annual savings of $158 on energy, detergents, and delayed appliance replacement costs. This calculation doesn't even include the hundreds saved by no longer needing bottled water, thanks to an RO system.