Flowing Wells Water Quality Breakdown
- Water Hardness: 14.7 GPG (Grains Per Gallon)
- Water Hardness: 251.4 PPM (Parts Per Million)
- Water Source: Pima County Groundwater (Tucson Aquifer)
For perspective, the U.S. average water hardness is around 5 GPG. At 14.7 GPG, Flowing Wells' water is nearly three times the national average. This means for every gallon of water you use, you're also getting the mineral equivalent of nearly 15 aspirin-sized tablets of dissolved rock.
The Real Cost of Hard Water on Your Home
That high mineral content has a measurable financial impact. Over a year, the average family in Flowing Wells will see 3.5 lbs of calcium carbonate scale build up inside their pipes and appliances. Here's how it breaks down:
- Water Heater Inefficiency: Scale acts as insulation inside your gas or electric water heater. A 1/16" layer of scale can force the appliance to burn 15-25% more fuel or use more electricity to heat water, inflating your Tucson Electric Power Co bill. A heater that should last 12-15 years will fail in an estimated 7.7 years with this water.
- Appliance Damage: That same scale clogs coffee makers, leaves white film on dishes from the dishwasher, and damages the internal components of your washing machine.
- Increased Soap & Detergent Use: Hard water minerals prevent soap from lathering. You'll use 30-50% more laundry detergent, dish soap, and shampoo just to get things clean.
How Very Hard Water Affects Your Family
While not a direct health hazard, the 14.7 GPG water in Flowing Wells significantly impacts daily life. The minerals react with soap to form a residue, often called soap scum. This residue:
- Dries out skin and hair: It can leave your skin feeling itchy and dry, and your hair brittle and dull.
- Clogs pores: The film left on your skin can lead to irritation and clogged pores.
- Affects sensitive skin: For families with young children, preparing baby formula or bathing infants in very hard water can exacerbate skin sensitivity.
Best Water Treatment for Flowing Wells
With water hardness at 14.7 GPG, taking action is a financial necessity, not a luxury. A simple pitcher filter won't solve the problem for your appliances.
- Top Recommendation (Hard Water): A salt-free water conditioner is an excellent choice. It crystallizes the hardness minerals so they can't form scale, protecting your entire plumbing system without adding sodium to your water.
- Maximum Protection: A traditional whole-house water softener is also highly effective. It removes the minerals entirely, providing truly soft water. A system costing around $1,500 pays for itself in 9.5 years through annual savings of $158 on energy, soap, and extended appliance life.
- For Drinking Water: An under-sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) system is a perfect partner to a conditioner or softener, providing purified water for drinking and cooking.