Hacienda Heights Water Analysis
- Water Hardness: 12.0 GPG / 205.2 PPM
- Hardness Level: Very Hard
- Water Source: Blended municipal and groundwater sources.
A 12.0 GPG rating is significantly higher than the national average of about 5 GPG. This means every gallon of water moving through your home carries a high load of dissolved calcium and magnesium, the two minerals responsible for limescale buildup and soap scum.
How Hard Water Affects Your Appliances and Budget
Over a year, 12.0 GPG water will deposit about 2.8 lbs of rock scale inside your plumbing and water-using appliances. In a gas water heater, this scale creates an insulating barrier between the flame and the water, forcing it to burn more gas to reach the target temperature. This inefficiency cuts the average water heater's lifespan down to only 9.0 years, far short of the expected 12-15 years.
You'll also experience reduced efficiency in your dishwasher and washing machine, requiring more soap to create suds and often leaving a chalky residue on dishes and clothes.
Daily Impact on Skin and Hair
The high mineral concentration in Hacienda Heights' water interferes with the performance of soaps and shampoos. Instead of a clean rinse, a sticky film of soap curd is left on your skin and hair. This residue can clog pores, leading to dry and itchy skin, and can leave hair feeling flat, dull, and brittle.
Choosing the Right Filter for Hacienda Heights
For water hardness of 12.0 GPG, a whole-house solution offers the best protection for your home's infrastructure. A salt-free water conditioner is often the most practical choice, as it prevents scale formation without adding salt to your water. For pristine drinking water, complementing it with an under-sink reverse osmosis system is ideal.
Financially, treating your water makes sense. With $126 in potential annual savings on energy and detergents, a system costing around $1,500 will pay for itself in 11.9 years. This calculation protects you from the multi-thousand-dollar expense of replacing a water heater prematurely.