Claremont Water Quality Analysis
- Water Hardness: 12.0 GPG (205.2 PPM)
- Hardness Level: Hard
- Water Source: Municipal supply, primarily composed of local groundwater and imported water from Northern California and the Colorado River.
The national average for water hardness is around 5 GPG, making Claremont's water significantly harder. GPG, or Grains Per Gallon, measures the concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium. A rating of 12.0 means your water is carrying a substantial mineral load that deposits as scale.
How Hard Water Damages Your Appliances and Budget
Every year, the hard water in Claremont deposits roughly 2.8 pounds of limestone scale inside your plumbing and water-using appliances. This buildup leads to serious issues:
- Water Heater Failure: Scale buildup forces your gas or electric water heater to run longer and hotter, significantly stressing the unit. A normal 12-15 year lifespan is reduced to an estimated 9 years in Claremont.
- Energy Waste: According to Department of Energy studies, every 1/16th of an inch of scale can reduce a gas water heater's efficiency by over 1%. At 12 GPG, your heater may be working up to 25% harder, increasing your energy bills from the Los Angeles Dept of Water & Power.
- Appliance Damage: The mineral scale clogs small valves and passages in dishwashers, washing machines, and coffee makers, leading to costly repairs and early replacement.
Effects of Hard Water on Skin and Hair
While safe to drink, the high mineral content in Claremont's water creates daily frustrations. It reacts with soaps to form a sticky scum instead of a clean lather. This leads to:
- A persistent feeling of residue on your skin after showering.
- Dry, irritated skin as soap film can clog pores.
- Limp, dull hair weighed down by mineral deposits.
- Endless scrubbing of soap scum from shower walls, tubs, and sinks.
The Right Filtration Solution for Claremont Homes
With 12.0 GPG water, the priority is to protect your plumbing and appliances from scale. Here are the most sensible solutions:
- Recommended System: A salt-free water conditioner is an excellent, modern choice. It neutralizes the minerals that cause scale without using salt or wasting water. Pair this with a faucet or pitcher filter for great-tasting drinking water.
- Traditional Option: A salt-based whole-house water softener offers complete mineral removal. Based on potential savings of $126 per year from reduced energy and soap usage, a professionally installed system (approx. $1,500) has a payback period of nearly 12 years.
Consider an under-sink reverse osmosis system for drinking water. The average household spending on bottled water is $600-$900 annually, an expense an RO system eliminates entirely while providing superior water quality.