Glendora Water Quality Profile
- Water Hardness: 12.0 GPG / 205.2 PPM
- Hardness Level: Very Hard
- Water Source: Blended sources, primarily regional groundwater.
For context, the U.S. average water hardness is around 5 GPG. Glendora's water contains more than double the mineral content considered moderate. This means for every gallon of water that passes through your pipes, an amount of dissolved rock equivalent to 12 grains of limestone is being carried with it.
The Financial Cost of Hard Water
The minerals in your water don't just disappear. They build up inside your home's systems as limescale. Homeowners in Glendora can expect approximately 2.8 lbs of calcium carbonate to be deposited inside their water heater, pipes, dishwasher, and coffee maker each year.
For gas water heaters, this scale acts as insulation, forcing the burner to work harder to heat the water. With 12 GPG water, your heater's efficiency drops by 15-25%. This not only increases your gas bill but shortens the unit's lifespan from a typical 12-15 years down to just 9.0 years. You'll also notice you need 30-50% more detergent for laundry to get the same clean, and your electric kettle will show visible white scale within weeks.
Effects on Skin and Hair
While hard water is safe to drink, its effects are noticeable in your daily routine. The high mineral content prevents soap and shampoo from lathering properly, leaving behind a residue on your skin and hair. This can lead to:
- Dry, itchy skin and aggravated eczema
- Dull, brittle hair that's difficult to manage
- A persistent feeling of soap scum on skin after showering
For families, preparing baby formula with hard water can introduce a higher mineral concentration than desired.
Filtration Recommendations for Glendora
With a hardness level of 12.0 GPG, your home falls into the 'Hard' water category where targeted treatment is highly effective. A salt-free water conditioner is an excellent choice to prevent scale buildup in your pipes and appliances without the maintenance or sodium discharge of a traditional softener. Pairing this with an under-sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) system for drinking water gives you complete protection.
The financial argument is compelling. A whole-house system (approx. $1,500 installed) pays for itself in about 11.9 years through annual savings of $126 on energy, detergents, and delayed appliance replacement. This doesn't even account for eliminating the cost of bottled water, which can save a family $600-$900 per year.