Water Analysis for South San Jose Hills
The primary characteristic of your water is its high concentration of dissolved minerals. Here are the hard numbers:
- Water Hardness: 12.0 GPG (Grains Per Gallon)
- Water Hardness: 205.2 PPM (Parts Per Million)
- Primary Water Source: Municipal, a combination of state-provided water and local groundwater.
Compared to the U.S. average of about 5 GPG, the water in South San Jose Hills is significantly harder. A hardness level of 12.0 GPG means that a measurable amount of rock-forming mineral is dissolved in every gallon of water flowing into your home.
How Hard Water Damages Your Appliances and Wallet
Those dissolved minerals don't stay dissolved. They precipitate out as limescale, causing real financial damage over time.
- Annual Scale Buildup: An average home in your area accumulates 2.8 pounds of rock-hard scale inside pipes and appliances every year. This chokes water flow and ruins components.
- Gas Water Heater Strain: Scale buildup on the heating elements of a gas water heater forces it to burn 15-25% more fuel to heat the same amount of water, increasing your bills from the Los Angeles Dept of Water & Power.
- Shorter Appliance Life: The lifespan of a water heater is typically 12-15 years. With 12.0 GPG water, that is reduced to an average of only 9 years before failure.
- Soap and Detergent Waste: Hard water counteracts soaps, forcing you to use 30-50% more laundry detergent, dish soap, and shampoo to get the same cleaning power.
Impacts on Skin, Hair, and Comfort
While the water is safe to consume, its hardness has a noticeable effect on personal hygiene and comfort. The high mineral content interferes with the ability of soaps to lather, creating soap scum.
- This residue can clog pores, leading to dry and itchy skin.
- It coats hair shafts, leaving hair feeling brittle, dull, and difficult to manage.
- Many residents report a consistent feeling of not being fully clean after a shower.
For families, this also extends to daily chores. Washing baby bottles in hard water can leave behind a mineral film, and the water is not always ideal for mixing infant formula.
Choosing the Right Filter for South San Jose Hills
At a 12.0 GPG hardness level, treating your water is a smart move. A salt-free water conditioner is an excellent, low-maintenance option that alters the minerals to prevent scale buildup without using salt. For maximum performance and the total elimination of hardness minerals, a classic salt-based water softener is the most powerful choice.
Consider the investment: a professionally installed softener costs around $1,500. Based on annual savings of $126 from reduced energy costs and longer appliance life, the system pays for itself in about 11.9 years. Combine this with an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system for drinking water to also eliminate the $600-$900 annual cost of bottled water.