La Crescenta-Montrose Water Quality Details
- Water Hardness: 12.0 GPG / 205.2 PPM
- Hardness Level: Very Hard
- Water Source: Municipal supply, a blend from state water projects and local groundwater.
Your water's 12.0 GPG hardness level is more than double the US national average of roughly 5 GPG. This means for every gallon of water that passes through your pipes, you have 12 grains of dissolved rock—primarily calcium and magnesium—being carried along with it. This is the source of limescale and soap scum issues throughout your home.
The Real Cost of Hard Water on Your Home
The unseen damage from hard water is significant. Each year, an average La Crescenta-Montrose household's plumbing system accumulates approximately 2.8 lbs of calcium carbonate scale. This rock-like buildup forms inside your pipes, fixtures, and especially your water heater.
- Water Heater Inefficiency: Scale acts as an insulator between the gas burner and the water. With 12 GPG water, your gas water heater has to work up to 20% harder to heat water, wasting fuel and money.
- Reduced Appliance Lifespan: A standard water heater should last 12-15 years. With this water quality, its lifespan is cut to an estimated 9 years.
- Daily Frustrations: That white film on your electric kettle and coffee maker is limescale, which also affects the taste of your beverages. In the laundry room, you're forced to use 30-50% more detergent to get clothes clean because the minerals inhibit soap from lathering properly.
How Hard Water Affects Your Family's Skin and Hair
While hard water is not considered a direct health risk, its effects on skin and hair are undeniable. The high mineral content prevents soap and shampoo from rinsing completely, leaving behind a residue that can lead to:
- Dry, itchy skin and aggravated eczema conditions.
- Dull, brittle hair that is difficult to manage.
- A feeling of film or residue on your skin after showering.
For families with infants, preparing baby formula with very hard water can be a concern for mineral concentration, though it is generally safe.
Choosing the Right Filtration System for La Crescenta-Montrose
With a hardness level of 12 GPG, treating your water is a smart financial decision. Your home falls into the 'Hard' category where significant benefits are seen from a whole-house solution.
- Recommended System: A salt-free water conditioner is an effective, low-maintenance option that will protect your pipes and appliances from scale buildup. For superior performance, including softer skin and better soap lathering, a traditional salt-based water softener is the best choice. For drinking water, an under-sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) system will provide purified water on tap.
- The Financials: A whole-house water softener costs around $1,500 installed. Based on your potential savings of $126 per year in energy, detergent, and premature appliance replacement costs, the system will pay for itself in approximately 11.9 years while providing immediate quality-of-life benefits.
An under-sink RO system also eliminates the need for bottled water, which can cost the average family $600-$900 per year.