Drexel Heights Water Quality Data
- Water Hardness: 14.7 GPG (251.4 PPM)
- Classification: Very Hard
- Water Source: Pima County Municipal Supply (Groundwater)
For context, much of the United States enjoys water under 7 GPG. Drexel Heights water is more than twice as hard as the upper end of that range, meaning it carries a substantial load of dissolved rock that directly impacts your home, your budget, and your daily life.
The Financial Toll of Very Hard Water
The 14.7 GPG water quality isn't just an inconvenience; it's a recurring expense. Every year, your pipes and appliances contend with 3.5 pounds of dissolved rock solidifying inside them as hard scale.
- Gas & Electric Water Heaters: This scale acts as insulation on heating elements. Both gas water heaters and electric models supplied by Tucson Electric Power Co are forced to work harder, consuming more energy. This stress cuts a water heater's life from a typical 12-15 years down to only 7.7 years.
- Laundry & Dishes: Minerals interfere with detergents, reducing their effectiveness. You will use up to 50% more soap, fabric softener, and dishwasher pods to achieve clean results, adding to your monthly grocery bill.
- Visible Damage: The white, crusty scale on your faucets, showerheads, and coffee maker is the most visible sign of the damage happening unseen inside your home's plumbing system.
Effects on Hair, Skin, and Comfort
While the water is safe to drink, its 'very hard' rating has noticeable effects on personal grooming. The high mineral content prevents soaps and shampoos from rinsing away cleanly, leaving a residue on your body.
- Skin and Scalp Irritation: Many residents report persistent dry skin, itchiness, and flaky scalp conditions that are difficult to manage with lotions alone.
- Hair Problems: Hard water leaves hair feeling brittle, dull, and coated with mineral deposits, making it difficult to style.
- Cleaning Frustration: The same minerals cause spots on clean dishes and a stubborn film on shower doors, requiring extra cleaning effort and harsh chemicals.
The Right Filtration System for Drexel Heights
With water this hard, a comprehensive, whole-house solution is necessary to protect your home. A simple faucet or pitcher filter will not be effective.
- Primary Recommendation: An ion exchange (salt-based) water softener is the best technology for this water quality. It removes the hardness minerals completely. Pair this with a reverse osmosis (RO) system under the kitchen sink for purified, great-tasting drinking water.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: The investment in a whole-house softener (approx. $1,500 installed) provides measurable returns. With verified annual savings of $158 on energy from Tucson Electric Power, detergent, and deferred appliance replacements, the system fully pays for itself in 9.5 years while protecting your home's most expensive appliances.