Arizona is known for its sun-soaked beauty, picturesque desert landscapes, and the unparalleled charm of the Grand Canyon. But one less-celebrated aspect of the state is the water that flows from its taps. So, a common question that arises is: does Arizona have hard water?
Understanding Water Hardness
Before we delve into Arizona’s water condition, let’s understand what “hard water” means. It’s a term that signifies water with a highly concentrated presence of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals occur naturally and aren’t harmful to health but can lead to inconveniences in our daily lives.
Water hardness is typically measured in grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm). The U.S. Department of Interior designates water as “hard” if it has over 121 ppm.
Hard Water in Arizona: A Widespread Phenomenon
Coming back to our main question, does Arizona have hard water? Yes, it does, and the water hardness in Arizona is considerably higher than in many other regions of the United States.
Most cities in Arizona, including Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa, often find their water hardness levels exceeding 300 ppm, marking them as regions with “very hard” water. It is important to understand that how hard the water in Arizona is can vary across the state depending on the water supply source.
Origins of Arizona’s Hard Water
The primary reasons for the high water hardness in Arizona are its geographical position and its primary water sources — the Colorado River and local groundwater wells. The river water, also known as surface water, naturally picks up minerals from the rocks and soil it passes through, contributing to the hardness.
Groundwater, too, gets enriched with minerals as it seeps through soil and rock layers, becoming hard before it even reaches our taps. In essence, Arizona’s hard water scenario is a result of nature’s course.
Implications of Hard Water in Arizona Homes
Now that we’ve answered whether Arizona has hard water, let’s explore what it means for the average homeowner. Hard water can have effects on both your home and personal health.
Impact on Appliances and Plumbing
Hard water can lead to scale build-up in pipes and water-based appliances, such as water heaters and washing machines. This build-up can reduce the appliances’ efficiency, require more frequent maintenance, and shorten their lifespan.
Effect on Skin and Hair
Many Arizonans have noticed the impacts of hard water on their skin and hair. Hard water tends not to lather well with soap and shampoo, which can leave a residue on the skin and hair, making them feel dry and look dull.
Mitigating the Hard Water Problem
There are several ways to handle the hard water issue, with one of the most common being the installation of a water softener system. This system works by replacing calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions, thereby “softening” the water.
Water Softening
Water softening is an effective way to handle Arizona’s hard water. A good water softener system reduces the mineral content, improving the efficiency of appliances and providing softer water for your bathing needs.
Water Filtration
A water filtration system is another solution. It not only helps with the hardness but also removes other impurities, providing cleaner, safer drinking water. For professional help, turn to Bumble Bee Plumbing for affordable water filtration in Phoenix, AZ.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
A reverse osmosis system is a type of filtration system that uses a membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles from water. It is highly effective in treating hard water.
Is Tap Water in Arizona Safe to Drink?
Despite its hardness, tap water in Arizona is generally safe to drink. It meets the federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards. However, many residents opt for additional filtration or reverse osmosis systems to improve the taste and reduce the mineral content of their drinking water.
Conclusion
Does Arizona have hard water? Yes, it absolutely does, and it is among the states with the hardest water in the nation. This characteristic has implications on appliances, plumbing, skin, and hair, leading many residents to implement solutions such as water softening, filtration, and reverse osmosis systems.
While hard water may pose certain challenges, solutions are readily available. Bumble Bee Plumbing offers water-softening solutions such as water filtration and reverse osmosis in Phoenix, AZ. If you’re dealing with hard water, give us a call today!
