Glendale Water Quality Analysis
- Water Hardness: 12.0 GPG / 205.2 PPM
- Hardness Level: Very Hard
- Water Source: Managed by Glendale Water & Power, it's a blend of local groundwater and imported state water.
To put this in perspective, water with more than 7 GPG is considered hard. At 12.0 GPG, Glendale's water is significantly harder than the US average of approximately 5 GPG. This means every gallon contains a substantial amount of dissolved rock that directly affects your home's plumbing and appliances.
How Hard Water Hits Your Wallet
That 'Very Hard' rating isn't just a number; it translates into tangible costs. A typical Glendale home accumulates around 2.8 pounds of rock scale per year inside its plumbing system. This buildup causes serious inefficiencies.
- Gas & Electric Water Heaters: Scale forms a layer on heating elements, forcing them to use more energy. For a gas water heater, this means burning 15-25% more gas to heat the same amount of water. This inefficiency slashes the expected lifespan of a water heater from 12-15 years down to just 9 years.
- Dishwashers and Laundry: Hard water is the reason for spotty glasses and stiff, dull-colored laundry. To combat it, you're forced to use 30-50% more detergent and soap, an ongoing extra expense.
- Faucets and Showerheads: The white, crusty buildup you see on fixtures is limescale, which clogs them and reduces water pressure over time.
Daily Effects on Skin and Hair
While mineral-rich water is safe to drink, it can be harsh on your body. The high calcium content reacts with soap to create soap scum that doesn't fully rinse off. This residue can leave your skin feeling dry, irritated, and itchy, and may clog pores. Similarly, it coats hair, leaving it looking frizzy and feeling brittle.
The Right Filtration Strategy for Glendale Homes
At 12.0 GPG, investing in water treatment isn't a luxury; it's a practical way to protect your home and save money. This hardness level is best addressed by specific systems.
- Top Recommendation: A salt-free water conditioner is ideal for this level of hardness. It works by crystallizing the minerals so they can't stick to pipes and surfaces, all without adding salt to your water. Complement it with an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system for pure drinking and cooking water.
- Return on Investment: A whole-house water softener (around $1,500 installed) is another powerful option. Given the $126 in potential annual savings from reduced energy bills, detergent use, and extended appliance life, the softener pays for itself in about 11.9 years.
- Ditch Bottled Water: An RO system can produce water purer than most bottled brands for pennies per gallon, saving the typical family $600-$900 per year.