Best way to find out water hardness when on city water?

[compddd]

Hi All

What's the best way to find out water hardness when on city water? Can I call the city and they will tell me? Or do I need to buy a test kit and figure it out that way?

Thank you all

Comp

 

[Reach4]

See https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/defa..._mineral_and_metal_characteristics_2018_0.pdf

Divide calcium hardness by 17.1 to get grains of hardness. Usually that is short for calcium-equivalent hardness.

For planning, use the max rather than the average.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[compddd]

Since there’s 3 treatment plants for SD, should I add up their max numbers and divide by 3 and then use that for my calcium hardness number?

 

[Reach4]

San Diego Water Treatment Plants Latitude, longitiude:

Alvarado 32.781066, -117.043580
Miramar 32.913098, -117.097878
Otay 32.611917, -116.934479

If in doubt, choose worst case.

 

[Bannerman]

should I add up their max numbers and divide by 3 and then use that for my calcium hardness number?

That will provide an average hardness, which may not be the hardness at your location. Each source may not necessarily have the same delivery capacity.

With multiple water sources feeding the system, each may have a unique hardness level. Your home's location within the system can influence which source the majority of your water will be obtained from which may change depending on daily water requirements within the city, system maintenance, season, etc.

It is usually recommended to test hardness at your specific location and add an additional 2-3 gpg to the result when programming the softener. This will anticipate periods when the water's hardness may be harder than tested.

 

[Mikey]

Not all municipal water suppliers report hardness. Get a test kit and you can test any water, any time:
https://www.amazon.com/Hach-145300-Total-Hardness-Model/dp/B008FM7WLU/ref=asc_df_B008FM7WLU/