Does San Diego Have Hard Water?

Does San Diego Have Hard Water? If you’re a homeowner in San Diego, you may be wondering about the quality of your drinking water. Specifically, you might be curious about whether your water is considered “hard.”

San Diego has very hard water. According to the City of San Diego’s Water Department, the average hardness level of San Diego water is 276 parts per million (ppm), which is considered very hard.

In this article, we’ll explore whether San Diego has hard water and what homeowners can do to ensure the quality and safety of their drinking water.

Read my article about water hardness in other cities.

Does San Diego Have Hard Water?

San Diego has very hard water – the average hardness level of San Diego water is 276 milligrams per liter (mg/L), with a range of 272 to 284 mg/L. It’s important to note that mg/L is the same as parts per million (ppm). When we convert this value to grains per gallon (gpg), we get a water hardness of 16 gpg.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) defines hard water as water with a mineral content greater than 180 ppm, which means that San Diego’s water is classified as very hard. This high mineral content is due to the region’s geological composition, which contains a lot of calcium and magnesium deposits.

City	Average Hardness Calcium Carbonate mg/L	Average Hardness Grains per Gallon	Zip Code
San Diego	241 ppm	15 gpg	92154 | 92126 | 92105 | 92114 | 92115 | 92117 | 92113 | 92130 | 92129 | 92128 | 92111 | 92127 | 92122 | 92109 | 92104 | 92102 | 92101 | 92139 | 92103 | 92131 | 92116 | 92124 | 92123 | 92107 | 92110 | 92120 | 92119 | 92108 | 92106 | 92121 | 92140 | 92145 | 92135 | 92147 | 92155 | 92134 | 92132
Anaheim	127 ppm	7 gpg	92804 | 92805 | 92801 | 92802 | 92806 | 92807 | 92808
Bakersfield	80 ppm	5 gpg	93307 | 93306 | 93312 | 93309 | 93308 | 93313 | 93304 | 93311 | 93305 | 93314 | 93301
Bellflower	230 ppm	13 gpg	90706 | 90707
Buena Park	236 ppm	14 gpg	90620 | 90621 | 90622 | 90623 | 90624
Burbank	271 ppm	16 gpg	91501 | 91502 | 91504 | 91505 | 91506
Chino	188 ppm	11 gpg	91710 | 91708
Chula Vista	194 ppm	11 gpg	91911 | 91910 | 91913 | 91915 | 91914
Coachella	140 ppm	8 gpg	92236
Compton	219 ppm	13 gpg	90059 | 90220 | 90221 | 90222 | 90223 | 90224
Corona	353 ppm	21 gpg	92882 | 92880 | 92879 | 92883 | 92881
Cresent City	59 ppm	3 gpg	95531
El Monte	270 ppm	16 gpg	91732 | 91731
Fontana	104 ppm	6 gpg	92355 | 92336 | 92337
Fountain Valley	199 ppm	12 gpg	92728
Fountain Valley	200 ppm	12 gpg	92708
Fremont	158 ppm	9 gpg	94536 | 94538 | 94539 | 94555
Fresno	123 ppm	7 gpg	93722 | 93727 | 93720 | 93702 | 93726 | 93706 | 93711 | 93705 | 93703 | 93710 | 93704 | 93725 | 93728 | 93723 | 93730 | 93701 | 93721 | 93650
Fullerton	254 ppm	15 gpg	92833 | 92831 | 92832 | 92835
Garden Grove	119 ppm	7 gpg	92840 | 92843 | 92841 | 92844 | 92845
Gilroy	236 ppm	14 gpg	95020
Glendale	259 ppm	15 gpg	91205 | 91206 | 91201 | 91202 | 91204 | 91208 | 91203 | 91207 | 91210
Hemet	192 ppm	11 gpg	92544 | 92545 | 92543
Huntington Beach	240 ppm	14 gpg	92647 | 92646 | 92648 | 92649
Inglewood	293 ppm	17 gpg	90301 | 90302 | 90303 | 90304 | 90305 | 90306 | 90307 | 90308 | 90309 | 90311 | 90312
Irvine	152 ppm	9 gpg	92620 | 92618 | 92612 | 92604 | 92614 | 92602 | 92606 | 92603 | 92617
La Habra	255 ppm	15 gpg	90631
Laguna Niguel	273 ppm	16 gpg	92607 | 92653 | 92677
Lake Forest	274 ppm	16 gpg	92609 | 92610 | 92630 | 92679 | 92691
Livermore	100 ppm	6 gpg	94550 | 94551
Long Beach	137 ppm	8 gpg	90805 | 90813 | 90806 | 90815 | 90802 | 90804 | 90808 | 90810 | 90803 | 90807 | 90814 | 90822 | 90831
Los Angeles	127 ppm	7 gpg	90011 | 90044 | 90003 | 90026 | 90019 | 90022 | 90037 | 90042 | 90006 | 90004 | 90066 | 90001 | 90034 | 90018 | 90002 | 90063 | 90046 | 90024 | 90057 | 90047 | 90025 | 90065 | 90032 | 90033 | 90023 | 90016 | 90059 | 90027 | 90043 | 90007 | 90045 | 90005 | 90020 | 90031 | 90036 | 90029 | 90049 | 90012 | 90062 | 90008 | 90028 | 90039 | 90041 | 90035 | 90038 | 90061 | 90017 | 90064 | 90048 | 90015 | 90068 | 90040 | 90013 | 90077 | 90014 | 90056 | 90089 | 90010 | 90021 | 90058 | 90067 | 90073 | 90071 | 90079 | 90095
Lynwood	262 ppm	15 gpg	90262
Mecca	393 ppm	23 gpg	92254
Mendocino	101 ppm	5 gpg	95460
Menifee	93 ppm	5 gpg	92584 | 92585 | 92586 | 92587
Mission Viejo	274 ppm	16 gpg	92653 | 92690 | 92691 | 92692
Modesto	224 ppm	13 gpg	95355 | 95350| 95351 | 95358 | 95356 | 95354 | 95357
Newport Beach	274 ppm	16 gpg	92603 | 92617 | 92625 | 92651 | 92657 | 92658 | 92659 | 92660 | 92661 | 92662 | 92663
Norwalk	267 ppm	16 gpg	90650 | 90651 | 90652 | 90670
Oakland	140 ppm	8 gpg	94601 | 94602 | 94603 | 94605 | 94606 | 94607 | 94609 | 94610 | 94611 | 94612 | 94613 | 94618 | 94619 | 94621
Oceanside	168 ppm	10 gpg	92057 | 92056 | 92058 | 92054
Orange	108 ppm	6 gpg	92867 | 92869 | 92868 | 92865 | 92866
Oxnard	285 ppm	17 gpg	93033 | 93030 | 93036 | 93035
Pasadena	255 ppm	15 gpg	91104 | 91107 | 91103 | 91106 | 91101 | 91105
Pico Rivera	241 ppm	14 gpg	90660
Rancho Santa Margarita	274 ppm	16 gpg	92679 | 92688 | 92692
Redding	31 ppm	2 gpg	96003 | 96001 | 96002 | 96049
Redondo Beach	370 ppm	22 gpg	90277 | 90278
Riveside	71 ppm	4 gpg	92503 | 92504 | 92507 | 92505 | 92506 | 92508 | 92501
Roseville	191 ppm	11 gpg	95661 | 95678 | 95747
Sacramento	150 ppm	9 gpg	95823 | 95828 | 95822 | 95831 | 95833 | 95835 | 95838 | 95826 | 95825 | 95820 | 95821 | 95842 | 95824 | 95834 | 95829 | 95815 | 95864 | 95818 | 95827 | 95841 | 95819 | 95816 | 95817 | 95832 | 95814 | 95811 | 95830 | 95837 | 94574
Salinas	160 ppm	9 gpg	93906 | 93905 | 93901 | 93907 | 93908
San Bernardino	249 ppm	15 gpg	92407 | 92404 | 92410 | 92405 | 92411 | 92408 | 92401
San Clemente	274 ppm	16 gpg	92672 | 92673 | 92674
San Francisco	47 ppm	3 gpg	94112 | 94110 | 94122 | 94109 | 94116 | 94117 | 94121 | 94134 | 94118 | 94124 | 94115 | 94114 | 94132 | 94102 | 94131 | 94107 | 94103 | 94133 | 94123 | 94127 | 94108 | 94105 | 94158 | 94129 | 94111 | 94130 | 94104 | 94128
San Jose	132 ppm	8 gpg	95123 | 95127 | 95111 | 95112 | 95122 | 95116 | 95125 | 95124 | 95148 | 95136 | 95132 | 95129 | 95121 | 95120 | 95128 | 95126 | 95118 | 95131 | 95117 | 95133 | 95134 | 95135 | 95138 | 95110 | 95130 | 95119 | 95139 | 95113
Santa Barbara	391 ppm	23 gpg	93101 | 93105 | 93103 | 93111 | 93110 | 93109 | 93108
Santa Clarita	271 ppm	16 gpg	91350 | 91390
Santa Maria	235 ppm	14 gpg	93453 | 93458 | 93455 | 93454
Santa Monica	114 ppm	7 gpg	90405 | 90403 | 90404 | 90402 | 90401
Stockton	194 ppm	14 gpg	95206 | 95207 | 95209 | 95210 | 95205 | 95219 | 95204 | 95212 | 95215 | 95203 | 95202 | 95211
Sunnyvale	300 ppm	17 gpg	94087 | 94086 | 94085 | 94089
Temecula	152 ppm	9 gpg	92592 | 92591 | 92590
Torrance	427 ppm	25 gpg	90248 | 90277 | 90278 | 90501 | 90503 | 90504 | 90505 | 90506 | 90507 | 90508 | 90509 | 90510
Tracy	143 ppm	8 gpg	95376 | 95377 | 95391 | 95304
Turlock	115 ppm	7 gpg	95380 | 95382
Tustin	312 ppm	18 gpg	92780 | 92782
Union City	89 ppm	5 gpg	94587
Upland	150 ppm	9 gpg	91784 | 91786
Vacaville	183 ppm	11 gpg	95687 | 95688
Valencia	268 ppm	16 gpg	91354 | 91355
Vallejo	129 ppm	8 gpg	94589 | 94590 | 94591
Ventura	666 ppm	39 gpg	93001 | 93003 | 93004
Victorville	31 ppm	2 gpg	92392 | 92394 | 92395
Visalia	81 ppm	5 gpg	93277 | 93291 | 93292
Vista	161 ppm	9 gpg	92081 | 92083 | 92084
Walnut Creek	78 ppm	5 gpg	94595 | 94596 |  94597 |  94598
Watsonville	252 ppm	15 gpg	95076
West Corvina	150 ppm	9 gpg	91790 | 91791
West Sacramento	65 ppm	4 gpg	95605 | 95691
Westminster	239 ppm	14 gpg	92683
Whittier	260 ppm	15 gpg	90601 | 90602 |  90603 | 90604 | 90605 | 90606
Woodland	63 ppm	4 gpg	95695 | 95776
Yorba Linda	274 ppm	16 gpg	92808 | 92885 | 92886 | 92887
Yuba City	58 ppm	3 gpg	95991 | 95993

Learn about water hardness in these cities:
Does San Antonio Have Hard Water
Does Sacramento have hard water?

California Water Hardness

California gets its drinking water from a variety of sources, including surface water (such as lakes and rivers), groundwater, and imported water from other states. According to the California Water Science Center, the state’s water hardness varies widely depending on the source and location.

In general, groundwater in California tends to be harder than surface water. The state’s groundwater comes from underground aquifers, which can contain high levels of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. On the other hand, surface water sources like rivers and lakes may have lower levels of minerals.

Water hardness in California can range from as low as 15 mg/L (or 1 gpg) to as high as 1,700 mg/L (or 100 gpg). The USGS classifies water with a mineral content of 60-180 mg/L as moderately hard, while water with a mineral content over 180 mg/L is considered hard. Based on this classification, many areas in California have hard or very hard water.

It’s worth noting that water hardness can vary within California, depending on the region and specific water source. For example, the San Diego area has very hard water, while other areas like San Francisco may have moderately hard water.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. These minerals come from underground sources, such as aquifers, that flow through rocks and soil containing these minerals. As water passes through these deposits, it picks up the minerals and becomes hard.

What are the problems caused by hard water?

While hard water doesn’t pose a health risk, it can cause a range of issues for homeowners. The mineral deposits in hard water can build up in pipes and appliances, leading to reduced water flow, damage to appliances, and higher energy bills. This buildup, known as scaling or limescale, can also cause problems in hot water heaters, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.

Additionally, hard water can reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, leading to increased water usage and more frequent cleaning. Hard water can also leave behind mineral deposits on dishes, glassware, and other surfaces, causing them to look dull or streaky.

Lastly, hard water can also have negative effects on hair and skin. It can cause dryness, itching, and irritation, making it difficult to maintain healthy skin and hair.

Who is San Diego’s Water Provider?

The City of San Diego’s Public Utilities Department is responsible for providing safe and reliable drinking water to the residents of San Diego. The department operates and maintains a complex water delivery system that includes treatment plants, reservoirs, pumping stations, and over 3,000 miles of water mains.

San Diego’s water comes from a combination of local surface water sources, such as the San Diego River, and imported water from the Colorado River and Northern California. The water is treated to meet state and federal drinking water standards before it is delivered to customers.

Where Does San Diego Water Come From?

San Diego’s water comes from a combination of local surface water sources and imported water. Local sources include the San Diego River, which is the primary source of drinking water for the city, as well as the San Vicente, Miramar, and Murray reservoirs.

In addition to local sources, San Diego also imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California. The Colorado River Aqueduct brings water from the Colorado River to Southern California, where it is treated and distributed to cities including San Diego. The State Water Project brings water from Northern California through a series of aqueducts and canals, before it is treated and delivered to customers in Southern California.

Is San Diego’s Tap Water Treated?

San Diego’s tap water is treated to meet state and federal drinking water standards. The water goes through a series of treatment processes before it is delivered to customers. These treatment processes include:

• Coagulation and Flocculation: Chemicals are added to the water to cause the small particles in the water to clump together, forming larger particles called floc.
• Sedimentation: The water is held in large basins, allowing the floc to settle to the bottom of the basin.
• Filtration: The water is passed through filters made of sand, gravel, and charcoal to remove any remaining particles and impurities.
• Disinfection: Chlorine or other disinfectants are added to the water to kill any remaining bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
• pH Adjustment: The pH of the water is adjusted to ensure that it is not too acidic or too alkaline.

San Diego’s water treatment facilities also monitor the water quality at each stage of the treatment process to ensure that it meets state and federal drinking water standards before it is delivered to customers.

Quality of San Diego Tap Water

San Diego’s tap water is considered safe and meets state and federal drinking water standards. The water is regularly tested for contaminants and pollutants, and the results are reported in the annual water quality report.

San Diego’s water has a slightly alkaline pH, which can help to reduce the corrosiveness of the water and prolong the life of pipes and infrastructure.

How Much Water Does San Diego Use Each Year?

San Diego is one of the largest cities in California and has a growing population, which means that there is a high demand for water. According to the San Diego County Water Authority, the city of San Diego used approximately 159 billion gallons of water in 2020.

The majority of this water is used for residential purposes, such as drinking, cooking, cleaning, and irrigation. However, a significant portion of the water is also used by businesses, industries, and agriculture in the region.

California Water Use and Consumption in Statistics

Water is a precious resource in California, where the state’s population and economy rely heavily on a reliable water supply. Here are some key statistics about water use and consumption in California:

• Agriculture is the largest user of water in California, accounting for approximately 80% of all water used in the state.
• Urban water use accounts for the remaining 20% of water used in California, with residential and commercial customers using about 10% each.
• California’s water supply is highly variable, with most of the state’s precipitation falling in the northern regions and most of the demand for water occurring in the drier southern regions.
• The state’s water supply system includes a complex network of reservoirs, canals, aqueducts, and pipelines that transport water from Northern California to Southern California.
• California has experienced several droughts in recent years, which has put a strain on the state’s water supply and led to increased conservation efforts.
• The state has implemented a variety of policies and programs aimed at promoting water conservation and efficiency, such as promoting the use of drought-tolerant landscaping, providing rebates for water-efficient appliances, and implementing water pricing structures that encourage conservation.

What Can I Do About Hardness in My Water?

If you’re experiencing issues with hard water in your home, there are several steps you can take to address the problem. Here are some potential solutions to consider:

• Install a water softener: A water softener is a device that removes minerals from your water supply, reducing its hardness. Water softeners work by using a process called ion exchange, which swaps hard minerals for sodium ions.
• Use a citric acid solution: You can also try using a citric acid solution to remove mineral buildup from your pipes and fixtures. Simply mix equal parts water and citric acid and apply the solution to your faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures. Let it sit for a few hours, then rinse it away with water.
• Install a water conditioner: Water conditioners are similar to water softeners, but they use a different process to treat hard water. Instead of removing minerals, water conditioners alter their structure, making them less likely to form mineral buildup in your pipes and fixtures.

Conclusion

Understanding the quality and safety of your drinking water is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy home. While San Diego’s tap water is generally considered safe to drink, it does have a high level of hardness that can cause various problems. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to address issues related to hard water, such as installing a water softener, using a citric acid solution, adding a water filtration system, using vinegar, or considering a water conditioner.