Lakewood Water Quality Profile
- Water Hardness: 12.0 GPG (205.2 PPM)
- Hardness Level: Very Hard
- Water Source: State Avg (Outlier Cap, California)
With a hardness of 12.0 GPG, Lakewood's water contains more than triple the mineral content of the national average of ~5 GPG. Every gallon running through your home carries dissolved calcium and magnesium that precipitates out as hard scale.
How Very Hard Water Affects Your Appliances
The cost of 12.0 GPG water shows up on your utility bills and in repair costs. Each year, about 2.8 lbs of rock-hard scale can build up inside your plumbing. This limescale forces your gas water heater to work harder, consuming up to 20% more fuel and cutting its lifespan down to just 9 years from the standard 12-15. You'll see the evidence as a white film on your kettle and find yourself using 30-50% more soap and detergent.
Impact on Skin and Hair
While hard water is not a health risk, its effects on skin and hair are undeniable. The minerals react with soap to form a film, preventing a clean rinse. This often results in dry skin, eczema flare-ups, a persistently itchy scalp, and dull, brittle hair. It is a daily nuisance that affects your personal care routine.
Filtration Guide for Lakewood
For Lakewood's 12.0 GPG water, a salt-free water conditioner is an effective solution to prevent appliance-damaging scale. For the full benefits of soft water—including softer skin and spot-free dishes—a traditional whole-house water softener is recommended. Given a typical installed cost of $1,500, the system pays for itself in roughly 11.9 years from annual savings of $126 in energy and supplies. Complementing this with an under-sink reverse osmosis system for drinking water will also eliminate the need for costly bottled water.