Does LA County Have Hard Water? What Homeowners Need to Know

If you live in Los Angeles County, chances are you’ve experienced some common water frustrations: white spots on glassware, dry skin after showering, and appliances that don’t seem to last as long as they should.

Water hardness varies by city, but LA County is known for a moderate to very hard water hardness level. It will depend on your city and water source, but you can expect to have some level of water hardness living here. Rayne Water has served US homeowners since 1928 with their water hardness issues, so we’ll break down exactly how you can protect your home and health from the effects of hard water.

Key Takeaways

• LA County water is generally moderately to very hard, depending on your city and your water source.
• Hard water is caused by high levels of calcium and magnesium, commonly found in both groundwater and imported sources like the Colorado River.
• Hard water leads to mineral buildup in pipes and appliances, dry skin and hair, and higher cleaning costs.
• You can test your water hardness using a simple DIY method, city water reports, or a professional test kit.
• Water softening systems, including whole-house softeners and reverse osmosis, are the best way to improve water quality in hard water areas.

What Is Hard Water? Understanding the Basics

Let’s start with the basics.

Hard water contains elevated levels of calcium and magnesium, minerals that are picked up naturally as water flows through rock and soil. The harder the water, the more mineral content it has, and the more likely you are to experience problems in your home.

Hard water is measured in grains per gallon (GPG) or parts per million (PPM):

If your water tests at over 7 GPG, it’s considered hard, and the higher the number, the more pronounced the effects become.

How Hard Is LA County Water? A City-by-City Breakdown

Water hardness in LA County typically ranges from 6 to 18 GPG, depending on the area.

That means most communities fall into the moderately hard to very hard category. Some areas experience higher hardness due to their reliance on mineral-rich water sources like groundwater or the Colorado River.

City-Specific Hard Water Levels in LA County

Here’s how hardness varies by region:

• Hardest Water Areas: Cities like Pasadena, Glendale, Torrance, and Long Beach often measure above 15 GPG, making water very hard. Residents here commonly deal with buildup and appliance issues.
• Moderate Hardness Areas: Areas such as Santa Monica, Downtown LA, and parts of the San Fernando Valley range between 6 and 12 GPG—enough to cause problems over time, even if they aren’t always obvious.
• Softer Water Areas: Some coastal areas, like Malibu and Pacific Palisades, may receive water with under 6 GPG, depending on the blend of groundwater and imported water.

While LA County cities like Pasadena and Torrance face hard water challenges, nearby areas like Orange County also deal with similar issues. Irvine’s tap water has been the source of debate for years.

Why Is LA County Water Hard?

The hardness of LA County water is tied to its diverse supply sources, which include:

• Local groundwater well
• Imported water from the Colorado River
• Sierra Nevada snowmelt via the State Water Project

Groundwater picks up minerals as it flows underground, while Colorado River water is naturally high in calcium and magnesium.

The result?

Hard water by default, especially in areas that depend heavily on these sources. Like neighboring Orange County’s water supply, LA is sourced from a mix of groundwater and imported sources, including the Colorado River and Northern California’s Sierra Nevada snowmelt.

How LA County’s Water Hardness Affects Your Home

Hard water can quietly wear down your home’s infrastructure and comfort levels over time.

Impact on Plumbing & Appliances

Minerals in hard water don’t dissolve easily.

Instead, they settle and accumulate, especially in areas where water is heated or sits still.

• Buildup in pipes restricts water flow and reduces pressure.
• Appliance efficiency drops, causing higher energy bills.
• Water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines wear out faster and require more frequent maintenance.

That “gritty” white scale you see around faucets or showerheads? That’s mineral residue, also called limescale, and it’s a clear sign your water is working against you.

Hard Water & Skin/Hair Issues

Hard water isn’t just tough on your pipes, it can also be tough on your skin.

• Dry, itchy skin and flaky scalp are common side effects.
• Hard water makes it harder to rinse off soap, leaving a film behind.
• Hair can become brittle, dull, or harder to manage due to mineral residue.

For people with sensitive skin, eczema, or allergies, hard water may exacerbate existing conditions.

Laundry & Dishes: The Hard Water Effect

Hard water doesn’t play nice in the laundry room or kitchen either.

• Clothes fade, feel stiff, or develop a rough texture
• White streaks and cloudy film are common on dishes and glasses
• You’ll use more detergent, soap, and rinse aids, increasing your cleaning costs over time

Hard water is inefficient. Over time, that adds up in both money and frustration.

How to Test Your Water Hardness in LA County

DIY Hard Water Test

Here’s a quick at-home trick:

1. Fill a clear bottle one-third full with tap water.
2. Add a few drops of pure liquid dish soap (not detergent).
3. Shake vigorously.
4. Observe the suds.

If the water turns cloudy and produces few suds, you likely have hard water. The harder the water, the harder it is to lather.

Check Your City’s Water Report

Most cities in LA County publish annual water quality reports.

For example:

• The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) releases detailed reports including calcium, magnesium, and hardness levels.

Look for hardness listed in GPG or mg/L (1 GPG ≈ 17.1 mg/L).

Professional Water Testing

For a more precise result:

• Purchase a home water hardness test kit
• Hire a licensed plumber or water treatment expert for an in-home assessment
• They’ll often test for hardness, chlorine, and other potential contaminants

Best Solutions for LA County’s Hard Water

Once you’ve confirmed your water hardness, there are a few ways to treat it.

Installing a Whole-House Water Softener

This is the most comprehensive solution for homeowners.

Whole-house softeners use ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium, effectively softening all the water that flows into your home.

Benefits include:

• Extended appliance lifespan
• Softer skin and hair
• Cleaner dishes and laundry
• Less soap and detergent usage
• Fewer plumbing issues

Salt-Free Water Conditioners vs. Traditional Softeners

Not all water softeners use salt, and not all solutions remove hardness.

• Salt-free conditioners don’t remove minerals but instead prevent them from sticking to pipes and surfaces. They’re lower maintenance but less effective for homes with very hard water.
• Traditional softeners remove calcium and magnesium, creating truly soft water.

If your hardness is above 12 GPG, a traditional system is usually recommended.

Reverse Osmosis for Drinking Water

If your concern is focused more on drinking water quality, a reverse osmosis (RO) system may be the answer.

RO systems remove:

• Dissolved solids (including calcium & magnesium)
• Chlorine and contaminants like lead or PFAS
• Foul tastes and odors

RO is ideal for apartments, rentals, or homes where full softening isn’t possible, and it’s often installed under the kitchen sink for point-of-use filtration.

If you’re noticing an unusual taste or smell, chloramines could be impacting your water. could be to blame, these are commonly used disinfectants in both LA and Orange County.

Test Your Water and Explore Solutions

LA County water is essential, but it’s also hard in many areas. And while the water is safe to drink, the impact on your home, appliances, and skin can’t be ignored.

With most cities reporting moderate to very hard water, now’s the time to test your water and explore a solution. Whether you’re dealing with soap scum, clogged pipes, or dry skin, a water softener can make a noticeable difference. You can always speak to us if you’d like help dealing with your hard water.

FAQs

Is LA County tap water hard or soft?

Mostly hard, though it varies by location. Most areas fall into the moderate to very hard range.

Can I drink hard water in LA County?

Hard water is safe to drink, but if you’re also concerned about overall tap water quality, especially chlorine levels and taste, you might want to explore this article on whether Orange County tap water is safe to drink, many of the same concerns apply to LA.

Does hard water cause health problems?

Not directly, but it can cause dry skin, brittle hair, and may worsen existing skin conditions like eczema.

Will a water softener help reduce soap scum and limescale buildup?

Absolutely. A softener removes hardness-causing minerals, reducing scale, spots, and film in your kitchen and bathroom.