San Dimas Water Quality Details
- Water Hardness: 12.0 GPG / 205.2 PPM
- Hardness Level: Very Hard
- Primary Water Source: Local groundwater and imported State Water Project water
San Dimas's water is more than twice the national average hardness of 5 GPG. What does 12.0 GPG actually mean for your home? Imagine dissolving 12 aspirin-sized tablets of pure rock mineral into every single gallon of water that runs through your pipes. That is the daily mineral load your water heater, dishwasher, and faucets must handle.
The Real Cost of Hard Water on Your Home
The constant flow of mineral-heavy water has a measurable financial impact. Over a year, 2.8 lbs of calcium carbonate scale will deposit inside your home's plumbing. This scale acts as an insulator in your gas water heater, forcing it to burn 15-25% more fuel to heat the same amount of water.
- Reduced Heater Lifespan: A standard water heater should last 12-15 years. With San Dimas's water, that lifespan is cut to an average of just 9 years.
- Appliance Inefficiency: Scale buildup damages pumps and clogs pipes in dishwashers and washing machines. You'll also need to use 30-50% more detergent to get clothes and dishes clean.
- Visible Scale: White, chalky residue on your electric kettle, coffee maker, faucets, and shower doors is a clear sign of the ongoing damage.
Impact on Skin, Hair, and Daily Comfort
While not a direct health hazard, very hard water significantly affects your quality of life. The minerals in the water react with soaps and shampoos to form a sticky residue, often called soap scum.
- Skin and Hair: This film left on your skin can clog pores and lead to dryness and irritation. It also coats hair, leaving it feeling brittle, frizzy, and dull.
- Bathing and Cleaning: You'll notice that soaps don't lather properly, making it difficult to feel completely clean after a shower.
- Baby Formula: For families with infants, preparing baby formula with hard water can introduce a high concentration of minerals that can be tough on a developing digestive system.
Filtration Guide for 12.0 GPG Water
With water hardness at 12.0 GPG, taking action is a smart financial move. A simple pitcher filter is not enough to protect your home. Here are the most effective solutions for San Dimas:
- Best Option (Protection & Softness): A traditional salt-based water softener will remove all hardness minerals, protecting appliances and providing soft-feeling water for bathing.
- Good Option (Protection, No Salt): A salt-free water conditioner is an excellent, maintenance-free alternative. It doesn't remove minerals but crystallizes them so they can't form scale, protecting your entire plumbing system without adding sodium to your water. An under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) filter can then be added for purified drinking water.
The financial payback is clear. A whole-house system (~$1,500 installed) pays for itself in approximately 11.9 years through annual savings of $126 on energy, detergents, and premature appliance replacement. This doesn't even count the savings from no longer buying bottled water, which costs the average family $600-$900 per year.