Water Quality Data for Bell
Here are the key facts about your local water supply:
- Water Hardness: 12.0 GPG (205.2 PPM)
- Hardness Level: Very Hard
- Water Source: Los Angeles Dept of Water & Power
Bell's water is significantly harder than the national average, which hovers around 5 GPG. A hardness of 12.0 GPG means that for every gallon of water, there is a substantial amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium—the minerals that create damaging limescale.
How Hard Water Costs Your Family Money
Hard water directly translates to higher household expenses. Over a year, 2.8 pounds of rock-like scale can accumulate inside your plumbing and water-using appliances. This buildup forces your gas water heater to work harder and use more energy, costing you money every month.
- Shorter Appliance Lifespan: A water heater that should last 12-15 years may only last 9 years with Bell's hard water, forcing a costly replacement sooner.
- Higher Utility Bills: Scale buildup can increase a water heater's energy consumption by up to 25%, a noticeable bump in your monthly gas and electricity bills from Los Angeles Dept of Water & Power.
- More Cleaning Products: You'll spend more on laundry detergent, dish soap, and shampoos because they don't lather effectively in hard water.
Is Hard Water Bad For Your Health?
While the minerals in hard water are not considered a health hazard, they create quality-of-life issues. The primary complaints are dry, itchy skin and dull, lifeless hair, as soap residue is difficult to rinse away completely. This can be especially problematic for children or family members with sensitive skin. When preparing baby formula, using filtered or purified water is often recommended to avoid the excess mineral content.
Choosing the Right Filter for Bell
With water hardness at 12.0 GPG, taking action is a smart financial move. A salt-free water conditioner is an effective, no-maintenance option that prevents scale from forming in your pipes and appliances. For families who want the added benefit of eliminating soap scum and getting a better lather, a traditional whole-house water softener is the best solution.
An investment in a softener (around $1,500 installed) can pay for itself in about 11.9 years through direct savings of $126 per year on energy and soaps. This payback period is even shorter when you factor in the avoided cost of replacing major appliances prematurely.