Hermosa Beach Water Quality Data
- Water Hardness: 12.0 GPG / 205.2 PPM
- Hardness Level: Very Hard
- Water Source: Municipal supply, primarily imported from the State Water Project and Colorado River Aqueduct.
At 12.0 GPG, your water is more than double the U.S. average of approximately 5 GPG. This number isn't just a statistic; it means for every gallon of water that runs through your pipes, an amount of dissolved rock equivalent to 12 grains of limestone is passing through. This mineral load directly translates to scale buildup and reduced efficiency in your home.
The Financial Cost of Hard Water
The 12.0 GPG water in Hermosa Beach deposits approximately 2.8 pounds of calcium carbonate (limescale) inside your pipes and appliances each year. This buildup acts as an insulator in your water heater, forcing your gas burner or electric element to work significantly harder—up to 25% harder—to heat the same amount of water, increasing your bill from Los Angeles Dept of Water & Power.
- Water Heater Lifespan: A standard water heater should last 12-15 years. With this water, its expected lifespan is reduced to just 9 years.
- Increased Detergent Use: Washing machines require 30-50% more soap and detergent to achieve the same level of clean, as minerals in the water inhibit lathering.
- Visible Scale: White, crusty scale on your coffee maker, faucets, and shower doors is a clear sign of the damage happening unseen inside your more expensive appliances.
How Hard Water Affects Your Skin and Hair
While the minerals in hard water are not a direct health hazard, they do impact your daily life. The high concentration of calcium and magnesium prevents soaps and shampoos from lathering effectively, leaving behind a residue on your skin and hair. This can lead to:
- Dry, itchy skin and aggravated eczema
- Dull, brittle hair with a lack of volume
- Soap scum buildup on skin that can clog pores
For families, preparing baby formula with hard water can introduce a high mineral load that is unnecessary for an infant's diet.
Filtration Recommendations for Hermosa Beach
With a hardness level of 12.0 GPG, taking action is financially prudent. Your two main options are a water conditioner or a full water softener.
- Salt-Free Water Conditioner: This is an excellent choice for this hardness level. It doesn't use salt, preventing salty discharge—a concern in coastal areas—and requires no maintenance. It won't make water feel "slick," but it will prevent scale from forming in your pipes and appliances. Pair it with an under-sink filter for purified drinking water.
- Whole-House Water Softener: For those who want to eliminate all hardness effects, a traditional salt-based softener is the most effective solution. A system professionally installed costs around $1,500. Based on annual savings of $126 from reduced energy, soap usage, and extended appliance life, the system pays for itself in approximately 11.9 years.
Considering the average family spends $600-$900 on bottled water annually, an under-sink reverse osmosis system can provide better-than-bottled quality water for pennies per gallon, paying for itself in under a year.