Your Local Water Profile
- Water Hardness: 14.7 GPG / 251.4 PPM
- Classification: Very Hard
- Water Source: Pima County Municipal Aquifer System
The U.S. national average for water hardness is around 5 GPG. At nearly three times this level, Corona de Tucson's water carries a significant mineral load. To put it practically, every 100 gallons of water passing through your pipes carries the equivalent mineral content of a half-pound of dissolved rock.
The Hidden Cost of Hard Water
That significant mineral load translates to real money. Your plumbing system is fighting against an accumulation of roughly 3.5 pounds of rock-like calcium scale per year, which builds up inside your most expensive appliances.
- Water Heater Inefficiency: For a gas water heater, this scale creates an insulating barrier between the flame and the water, forcing it to burn 15-25% more gas to do its job. A standard water heater that should last 12-15 years will fail in just 7.7 years with this water.
- Appliance Damage: The same scale clogs flow in washing machines, blocks dishwasher spray arms, and leads to premature failure of coffee makers and electric kettles.
- Wasted Detergent: The minerals in hard water bond with soaps, preventing them from lathering. You're forced to use 30-50% more detergent, dish soap, and shampoo just to get a proper clean.
Impacts on Skin, Hair, and Daily Life
While Pima County's hard water is safe to drink, its effects on personal care are impossible to ignore. The high mineral content prevents soap from rinsing clean, leaving behind a sticky residue on skin and hair.
- Dry Skin & Itchy Scalp: Many residents experience ongoing issues with dry, irritated skin and aggravated conditions like eczema. The soap scum film clogs pores and strips natural oils.
- Dull, Brittle Hair: Mineral buildup leaves hair feeling heavy, difficult to style, and lacking shine.
- Family Concerns: For families with infants, preparing baby formula with such hard water can introduce high levels of minerals that are unnecessary for a developing child.
Filtration Guide for Corona de Tucson
At 14.7 GPG, treating your water is a financial decision, not just a preference. A simple pitcher filter is not powerful enough to handle this level of hardness.
- Recommended System: A whole-house, salt-based water softener is the most effective solution. It physically removes the damaging minerals. For superior drinking water, this should be paired with an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system.
- Salt-Free Alternative: If you prefer to avoid salt, a salt-free water conditioner can prevent scale from adhering to pipes, but it does not remove the minerals or provide the 'soft water' feel for skin and hair.
The Payback Calculation: A whole-house softener (around $1,500 installed) pays for itself in approximately 9.5 years through annual savings of $158 on energy, wasted detergent, and appliance longevity. An RO system also eliminates the need for bottled water, saving an average family an additional $600-900 per year.