Inglewood Water Analysis
Here’s a breakdown of your local water profile:
- Water Hardness: 12.0 GPG / 205.2 PPM
- Hardness Level: Very Hard
- Water Source: Blended municipal supply from state and regional sources.
The US average water hardness is about 5 GPG, meaning Inglewood’s water is more than twice as hard. A practical way to visualize 12.0 GPG is to imagine a dozen small mineral particles dissolved in every single gallon of water that flows into your home, ready to form damaging scale.
How Very Hard Water Damages Your Appliances and Budget
That high mineral content directly translates into household costs. An average Inglewood family will see 2.8 pounds of rock-hard scale accumulate in their plumbing and appliances each year. The effects include:
- Gas & Electric Water Heaters: Scale buildup on heating elements forces the unit to use more energy to heat the same amount of water, increasing your bills. The constant strain cuts the lifespan of a water heater from a typical 12-15 years down to just 9.0 years.
- Dishwashers & Faucets: Scale clogs spray arms and aerators, reducing water pressure and cleaning performance. The internal mechanics of your dishwasher are also at risk of premature failure.
- Laundry: You'll need 30-50% more soap and laundry detergent to overcome the hardness, and clothes can come out feeling stiff with colors looking dull.
The Impact of Hard Water on Skin and Hair
While the water in Inglewood is treated to be safe for consumption, its hardness poses daily comfort challenges. The minerals react poorly with soaps and shampoos, creating issues such as:
- Dry, Itchy Skin: Soap scum residue left on your skin can block pores and exacerbate conditions like eczema and general dryness.
- Lifeless Hair: Mineral buildup on hair follicles can leave hair feeling brittle, dull, and difficult to style.
- Constant Cleaning: The same soap scum that affects your skin creates a stubborn film on shower doors, tile, and fixtures, requiring more frequent and difficult cleaning.
Choosing the Right Water Filter for Inglewood
At 12.0 GPG, treating your water is a wise investment to protect your home. These are the best options:
- Best Overall: A salt-free water conditioner is highly effective at preventing scale buildup in pipes and appliances without adding sodium to your water. Combine it with an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system for superior tasting, purified drinking water.
- Maximum Protection: For those wanting a complete removal of hardness minerals, a traditional salt-based water softener is the most powerful solution.
The numbers support the investment. A whole-house system installation (around $1,500) can save an Inglewood family about $126 per year in energy and soap costs. This means the system pays for itself in about 11.9 years, all while protecting your expensive appliances. It also ends the need to spend hundreds of dollars a year on bottled water.