San Fernando Water Quality Breakdown
- Water Hardness: 12.0 GPG / 205.2 PPM
- Hardness Level: Very Hard
- Primary Water Source: San Fernando Valley Groundwater Basin
At more than double the US average of 5 GPG, San Fernando's water presents a significant challenge. A hardness of 12.0 GPG means that for every 100 gallons of water your family uses, nearly a quarter-pound of dissolved rock minerals flows through your pipes. This is the source of all hard water problems.
How Hard Water Erodes Your Finances
That invisible mineral load translates directly into visible costs. Annually, 2.8 pounds of limestone-like scale will coat the inside of your pipes and appliances. This buildup forces your gas water heater to burn significantly more fuel, as it must first heat a layer of rock before it can heat your water.
- Drastically Shortened Appliance Life: The typical 12-15 year lifespan of a water heater is reduced to just 9 years in homes with San Fernando's water.
- Increased Energy Bills: Scale insulation can increase a water heater's energy consumption by up to 25%, a cost passed directly to you by the Los Angeles Dept of Water & Power.
- Daily Frustrations: You'll use up to 50% more soap and detergent for laundry and dishes, and you'll constantly battle soap scum on fixtures and cloudy glassware.
The Effect on Your Family's Skin and Hair
The high mineral content in San Fernando water prevents soap and shampoos from lathering fully. Instead of rinsing clean, they react with the minerals to form a residue that clings to surfaces.
- Chronic Dryness: This film left on your body can lead to dry, itchy skin and scalp irritation. It flattens hair, leaving it looking dull and feeling unmanageable.
- Residue Buildup: That sticky film is what creates stubborn soap scum rings in bathtubs and showers, requiring harsh chemicals to remove.
- Laundry Issues: The same minerals get trapped in the fibers of your clothes, causing fabrics to feel stiff and colors to fade prematurely.
The Right Filtration System for San Fernando
Given the 12.0 GPG water hardness, treating your water is a prudent investment. Simple faucet filters won't solve the core problem of scale buildup throughout the house.
- Salt-Free Water Conditioner: This is a popular and effective choice for San Fernando. It alters the structure of hardness minerals to prevent them from forming scale, thereby protecting your entire plumbing system and appliances without adding salt to the water. It's a zero-maintenance solution.
- Salt-Based Water Softener: For those who prefer the distinctly slippery feel of soft water and the elimination of all hardness minerals, a traditional softener is the most comprehensive solution. It will require periodic refilling with salt pellets.
Investing in a system makes financial sense. With potential annual savings of $126, a whole-house system (costing around $1,500 installed) achieves payback in about 11.9 years, all while protecting expensive appliances from failure. Adding an under-sink reverse osmosis system for drinking water will also eliminate the $600-$900 annual cost of bottled water for most families.