Your Local Water Profile
Here are the facts about the water supplied to Charter Oak homes:
- Water Hardness: 12.0 GPG / 205.2 PPM
- Hardness Level: Very Hard
- Water Source: Municipal Blend (State Water Project & local groundwater)
For comparison, the U.S. national average water hardness is around 5 GPG. At 12.0 GPG, Charter Oak's water is more than twice as hard. This means for every 100 gallons of water used, you're running about 1.7 ounces of dissolved rock (calcium and magnesium) through your pipes and appliances.
The Real Cost of Hard Water
The mineral content in your water has a direct financial impact. Over a year, a typical household will see 2.8 lbs of calcium carbonate—solid rock scale—build up inside pipes, faucets, and critical appliances like your water heater and dishwasher.
- Water Heater Inefficiency: Scale acts as an insulator. On a gas water heater, this mineral layer forces the burner to run longer to heat the water, increasing energy consumption by up to 25%. This constant overheating reduces a water heater's typical 12-15 year lifespan to just 9.0 years in Charter Oak.
- Appliance Damage: The same scale clogs the small components in your dishwasher, washing machine, and coffee maker, leading to frequent repairs and early replacement.
- Increased Household Costs: Hard water requires 30-50% more soap and detergent to achieve a proper lather, increasing your yearly spending on cleaning supplies.
How Hard Water Affects Your Family
While hard water is safe to drink, its mineral content creates daily frustrations. The calcium and magnesium react with soaps to form a sticky residue, commonly known as soap scum, instead of a clean lather.
- Skin & Hair: This residue can leave your skin feeling dry and itchy and your hair appearing dull and brittle.
- Bathing: You might feel like you can't fully rinse soap off your body in the shower. That's the mineral residue clinging to your skin.
- For Families: When preparing baby formula, the high mineral content of hard water can contribute to an infant's sensitive digestive system, although it's not considered a health hazard.
Filtration Guide for Charter Oak (12.0 GPG)
With "very hard" water, a simple pitcher filter isn't enough to protect your home. A salt-free water conditioner is an effective, low-maintenance solution that prevents scale buildup in your plumbing and appliances. For superior drinking water, pairing it with an under-sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) system is the ideal setup.
A whole-house water softener, which costs around $1,500 installed, provides a significant return on investment. With an estimated $126 per year saved on energy, detergents, and appliance longevity, the system effectively pays for itself in about 11.9 years. Furthermore, families spending $600-$900 annually on bottled water can eliminate that cost entirely with an under-sink RO system.