Carson Water Quality Breakdown
- Water Hardness: 12.0 GPG (205.2 PPM)
- Classification: Very Hard
- Water Source: Blended supply including local groundwater and imported water.
At 12.0 GPG, Carson's water is more than double the U.S. average of approximately 5 GPG. To put that in perspective, every gallon of water passing through your pipes carries dissolved rock equivalent to twelve 65mg aspirin tablets. Over a year, this mineral load adds up significantly inside your home's plumbing and appliances.
The Real Cost of Hard Water on Your Appliances
That high mineral content translates directly into household costs. Your home's plumbing and water-using appliances are accumulating roughly 2.8 pounds of calcium carbonate (limescale) each year. This scale builds up inside your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine, causing serious inefficiency.
- Gas & Electric Water Heaters: Scale acts as an insulator between the heating element or gas burner and the water. With 12 GPG water, your water heater works up to 25% harder to heat water, wasting energy and money. This constant strain cuts its lifespan from a typical 12-15 years down to just 9 years.
- Washing Machines & Dishwashers: Hard water requires 30-50% more soap and detergent to create a lather, and leaves behind a chalky residue on clothes and dishes.
- Coffee Makers & Kettles: The visible white scale you see in your kettle is a clear sign of what's happening invisibly inside your more expensive appliances.
How Hard Water Affects Your Family
While municipally treated hard water is safe to drink, it directly impacts your skin and hair. The high concentration of calcium and magnesium prevents soap from lathering and rinsing completely, leaving behind a residue. This can lead to:
- Dry, itchy skin and aggravated eczema
- Dull, brittle, and frizzy hair
- Itchy scalp and dandruff-like conditions
For families with infants, preparing baby formula with hard water can be a concern due to the high mineral load, although it is not considered a direct health hazard.
Choosing the Right Filtration System for Carson
With a hardness level of 12 GPG, a simple pitcher filter won't protect your home. Here’s what makes sense:
- Best Option (Hard Water): A salt-free water conditioner is an excellent modern solution. It doesn't remove the minerals but crystallizes them, preventing them from forming hard scale in your pipes and appliances. Pair it with an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system for pure drinking water.
- Traditional Option: A whole-house salt-based water softener remains the most effective way to eliminate scale buildup completely.
Considering the financial impact is key. A whole-house softener (around $1,500 installed) pays for itself in about 11.9 years through annual savings of $126 on energy, detergents, and extending appliance life. This doesn't include the $600-$900 many families spend yearly on bottled water, an expense an under-sink RO system eliminates entirely.