La Mirada Water Quality Data
- Water Hardness: 12.0 GPG (Grains per Gallon)
- Water Hardness: 205.2 PPM (Parts per Million)
- Water Source: Blended supply, typical for Southern California municipalities.
At 12.0 GPG, your water is more than twice the U.S. average of 5 GPG. To put this in perspective, this is the mineral equivalent of dissolving four standard aspirin tablets in every single gallon of water that flows through your pipes.
The Financial Cost of Hard Water
The unseen damage from hard water directly impacts your wallet. Each year, your home's plumbing and appliances accumulate approximately 2.8 lbs of calcium carbonate scale. This buildup acts as a layer of insulation inside your water heater, forcing your gas burner to work 15-25% harder to heat the water, wasting energy and money.
- Reduced Water Heater Lifespan: A standard water heater should last 12-15 years. With La Mirada's water, that lifespan is cut to just 9 years.
- Wasted Detergent: Hard water minerals inhibit soap's ability to lather, requiring you to use 30-50% more laundry and dish detergent for the same cleaning power.
- Clogged Fixtures: Your coffee maker, kettle, and showerheads will show visible white scale, reducing flow and eventually causing them to fail.
Effects on Skin and Hair
While not a direct health hazard, very hard water significantly impacts daily life. The high mineral content prevents soap and shampoo from rinsing completely, leaving behind a residue that can lead to:
- Dry, itchy skin and irritated scalp conditions.
- Dull, brittle, and frizzy hair.
- A feeling of film or residue on your skin after showering.
For families, preparing baby formula with hard water can sometimes alter its taste and consistency due to the high dissolved mineral content.
Choosing the Right Filtration System for La Mirada
With a hardness level of 12.0 GPG, addressing the problem for your whole house is the most effective approach.
- Recommended: A salt-free water conditioner is an excellent choice for preventing scale buildup in your pipes and appliances without adding sodium to your water. This protects your investments without the maintenance of a traditional softener. Pair it with an under-sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) system for pure, great-tasting drinking water.
- Alternative: A traditional whole-house water softener will also solve the problem and provide the "slippery" feel of soft water that some prefer.
A whole-house softener (averaging $1,500 installed) pays for itself in approximately 11.9 years through tangible savings of $126 per year on energy, detergents, and delayed appliance replacement.