Marina del Rey Water Details
- Water Hardness: 12.0 GPG (205.2 PPM)
- Classification: Very Hard
- Source: Imported regional water supplied via Los Angeles County
At 12.0 GPG, Marina del Rey's water is more than twice the U.S. average hardness of 5 GPG. Every gallon contains a high concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium, the minerals responsible for scale buildup and soap scum.
The Financial Toll of Hard Water on Your Property
The real-world consequence of 12.0 GPG water is costly. Your home's plumbing is accumulating about 2.8 pounds of limescale annually. This scale build-up insulates the heat exchanger in your gas water heater, slashing its efficiency and causing it to use more fuel. It also reduces a water heater's typical lifespan from 12-15 years down to an estimated 9 years.
The effects are visible elsewhere, too. White, chalky deposits clog showerheads and faucet aerators, reducing water pressure. Dishwashers struggle, leaving a persistent film on glasses and silverware.
Effects on Skin and Hair in a Coastal Climate
While the hard water in Marina del Rey is safe to drink, its mineral content is harsh on the body. It reacts with soaps to form a residue that doesn't rinse clean, leaving skin feeling dry and tight. Hair can become dull, limp, and difficult to manage due to mineral buildup. For people with sensitive skin, this residue can aggravate dryness and irritation, which can be compounded by the salty coastal air.
Best Water Filtration for Marina del Rey
Given the 12.0 GPG hardness, a comprehensive solution is needed. For condos or homes where salt discharge is a concern, a salt-free water conditioner is a popular maintenance-free option that prevents scale. For the highest level of protection and soft water benefits, a whole-house ion exchange water softener is the best choice.
With annual savings on utilities and supplies totaling $126, a system costing around $1,500 will pay for itself in about 11.9 years. To stop buying plastic water bottles, supplement your whole-house system with an under-sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) unit for pure drinking water, saving hundreds of dollars a year.