Gardena Water Quality Breakdown
- Water Hardness: 12.0 GPG / 205.2 PPM
- Hardness Level: Very Hard
- Water Source: A blend of imported water managed by the Metropolitan Water District and local groundwater.
For context, the national average for water hardness is around 5 GPG. At 12.0 GPG, Gardena's water is more than twice the national average. This means for every gallon of water that passes through your pipes, it carries the equivalent of 12 grains of dissolved rock, primarily calcium and magnesium.
The Financial Cost of Hard Water
The high mineral content in Gardena's water has a direct financial impact on your home. Over a year, the average household will see 2.8 lbs of calcium carbonate—or rock scale—build up inside pipes and appliances. This scale significantly reduces efficiency and lifespan.
- Water Heaters: Scale acts as an insulator on heating elements. A gas water heater has to work 15-25% harder to heat water through this layer of rock, increasing your gas bill. A typical water heater lasts 12-15 years, but with Gardena's water, you can expect its lifespan to be reduced to just 9 years.
- Washing Machines & Dishwashers: Hard water requires 30-50% more soap and detergent to create a lather, increasing your annual spending on cleaning supplies. It also leaves behind soap scum and mineral deposits on clothes and dishes.
- Small Appliances: Visible white scale on your coffee maker or electric kettle is a clear sign of hard water damage, affecting performance and taste.
Effects on Skin and Hair
While hard water is safe to drink, its effects are often felt after a shower. The excess minerals react with soap to form a curd-like residue that doesn't rinse away easily, leaving skin feeling dry and itchy. It can also make hair brittle and dull by preventing shampoos from cleaning effectively. For families with infants, using hard water to mix baby formula can be a concern due to the high mineral load.
Choosing the Right Filtration System for Gardena
With a hardness level of 12.0 GPG, treating your water is a financially sound decision. This falls into the 'Hard' water category where specific solutions offer the best value.
- Recommended System: A salt-free water conditioner is an excellent, low-maintenance choice for this hardness level. It neutralizes the minerals to prevent scale buildup without using salt. For drinking water, pair this with a simple pitcher filter or an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system.
- Financial Payback: For those considering a full water softener (approx. $1,500 installed), the system will pay for itself over time. With estimated annual savings of $126 on energy, detergents, and delayed appliance replacement, the payback period is roughly 11.9 years.
- Bottled Water Alternative: An under-sink RO system eliminates the need for bottled water. Considering the average US family spends $600-900 annually on bottled water, this is another significant source of savings.