Pomona Water Analysis
Your home's water quality report shows the following:
- Water Hardness: 12.0 GPG (205.2 PPM)
- Hardness Level: Very Hard
- Water Source: Blended supply from State Water Projects and local sources.
At 12.0 GPG, Pomona's water is more than double the U.S. national average of approximately 5 GPG. This means every gallon of water passing through your pipes carries a significant load of dissolved calcium and magnesium—the minerals that create destructive scale buildup.
The Real Cost of Hard Water on Your Home
The dissolved rock in Pomona's water creates tangible, expensive problems. Each year, your home's plumbing accumulates around 2.8 pounds of calcium carbonate scale. This buildup clogs pipes and severely damages water-using appliances.
- Water Heater Impact: Scale acts as insulation inside your gas or electric water heater. At 12.0 GPG, your unit has to work 15-25% harder just to heat water, increasing your utility bills from Los Angeles Dept of Water & Power. A normal heater lasts 12-15 years; with this water, expect its lifespan to be cut to just 9 years.
- Washing Machine & Dishwasher: Hard water requires 30-50% more detergent to achieve the same level of cleanliness, and it leaves a chalky residue on dishes and fabrics.
- Kettles & Coffee Makers: The white, crusty scale you see in your electric kettle is a direct visual of what’s happening inside your more expensive appliances.
How Hard Water Affects Your Skin and Hair
While hard water is safe to drink, it takes a toll on your body. The high mineral content prevents soap and shampoo from lathering properly, leaving a film on your skin and hair. This can lead to:
- Dry, itchy skin and aggravated eczema
- A flaky, irritated scalp
- Dull, brittle, and difficult-to-manage hair
For families, the mineral concentration in tap water can also be a consideration when preparing baby formula.
Choosing the Right Filtration System for Pomona
With water hardness at 12.0 GPG, a simple pitcher filter is not enough. A whole-house solution is necessary to protect your home. Your two best options are:
- Salt-Free Water Conditioner: An effective, no-maintenance option that alters the minerals to prevent them from forming scale. Ideal for protecting your plumbing and appliances.
- Whole-House Water Softener: The premium solution. It removes hardness minerals entirely, eliminating scale, improving soap efficiency, and leaving your skin and hair feeling better.
A whole-house softener (approximately $1,500 installed) pays for itself in about 11.9 years through tangible savings of $126 per year on energy, detergents, and delayed appliance replacement costs. Furthermore, adding an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system for drinking water can eliminate the $600-$900 the average family spends annually on bottled water.