Picture Rocks Water Quality Snapshot
- Water Hardness: 14.7 GPG (251.4 ppm)
- Hardness Level: Very Hard
- Water Source: County Average (WQP)
For context, the U.S. average is around 5 GPG. Picture Rocks' water is nearly three times harder than the national average. A hardness of 14.7 GPG means that for every gallon of water used, you're dealing with dissolved minerals equivalent to 14.7 grains of rock—think of it as a spoonful of finely ground limestone in every few gallons.
The Hidden Costs of Hard Water
Over a year, 3.5 lbs of calcium carbonate scale will build up inside your plumbing and appliances. This rock-like deposit silently damages your home's most expensive systems.
- Water Heaters: Scale acts as insulation inside your gas or electric water heater. A heater dealing with 14.7 GPG water can work up to 25% harder to heat the same amount of water, wasting energy from Tucson Electric Power Co. A standard heater should last 12-15 years; in Picture Rocks, its life is cut to just 7.7 years.
- Dishwashers & Washing Machines: These appliances struggle, leaving behind soap scum and mineral deposits. You'll use 30-50% more detergent to get clothes and dishes clean.
- Small Appliances: Notice the white, crusty film inside your coffee maker or electric kettle? That's limescale, and it directly affects the taste of your morning coffee and shortens the appliance's life.
Impact on Skin and Hair
While very hard water isn't a direct health threat, it does affect your daily life. The high mineral content prevents soap and shampoo from lathering effectively, leaving behind a residue on your skin and hair. This can lead to:
- Dry, itchy skin and aggravated eczema or psoriasis.
- Brittle, dull hair and an irritated scalp.
- Difficulty getting a clean rinse, making you feel like there's always a film on your skin.
For families, preparing baby formula with unfiltered hard water can be a concern due to the high mineral load.
Choosing the Right Filtration System
With a hardness level of 14.7 GPG, simple pitcher filters won't be effective. You need a whole-house solution to protect your plumbing and appliances.
- Recommended: A whole-house, salt-based water softener is the most effective solution. It removes the hardness minerals entirely. For purified drinking water, pair it with an under-sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) system.
- Alternative: For those concerned about salt discharge, a salt-free water conditioner can be an option. It doesn't remove minerals but crystallizes them to prevent scale buildup.
A whole-house softener (around $1,500 installed) pays for itself in about 9.5 years through savings of $158 per year on energy, detergent, and appliance replacement costs. An under-sink RO system also eliminates the need to spend on bottled water.