Hard Water in Phoenix, Arizona: Do I Need a Water Softener?
Arizona residents know the state has some of the hardest water in the country. You can feel how hard Arizona’s water is when you shower; you can see how hard Arizona’s water is when you wash dishes or do laundry.
Whether you’ve lived in the Phoenix area your entire life or recently moved, most Phoenix residents eventually question whether or not they should invest in a water softener.
You’re not alone if you’ve thought, “Why should I buy a water softener when I’ve been fine without one?”
To address the question of whether or not you should install a water softener in your Phoenix home, you should first understand a little more about the city’s water:
Where Does Phoenix Get Its Water?
According to Phoenix's latest Water Quality Report (2021), Phoenix’s drinking water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, springs, and wells. In 2021, about 97 to 99 percent of Phoenix’s water came from surface water that mostly started as snow pack.
It’s worth mentioning how water becomes hard. Perhaps the biggest reason Phoenix is known for having hard water is because most of the city’s water is derived from surface water. What does surface water have to do with hard water?
Surface water typically has a high mineral content because it takes on the attributes of the soil surrounding it — explaining why Phoenix’s water is hard.
If you’re curious to learn more about where your city gets its water, the latest Phoenix Water Quality report goes into great detail: “Phoenix’s primary sources of untreated surface water are the Salt, Verde, and Colorado rivers. Some water from the Agua Fria River is mixed with water from the Colorado River when stored in Lake Pleasant. Water is then delivered to one of the city’s five water treatment plants. Colorado River water is delivered to the city via the Central Arizona Project (CAP) aqueduct. Water from the Salt and Verde rivers is delivered via the Salt River Project (SRP) canal network. The remaining two percent of drinking water was supplied by about 20 groundwater wells currently operated by the city.”
How Hard is Phoenix’s Water?
Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon of water (gpg). Here’s a water hardness scale to get a clearer picture of Phoenix’s water hardness levels:
- Anything less than 1 grain per gallon is considered soft
- Slightly hard: 1 - 3.5 grains per gallon
- Moderately hard: 3.5 - 7 grains per gallon
- Hard: 7 - 10 grains per gallon
- Very hard: anything over 10 grains per gallon
According to the table from Phoenix’s latest Water Quality report, the city’s current grains per gallon are between 10.1 to 16.2. These numbers indicate that Phoenix’s water is considered “very hard.”
Why Should I Get a Water Softener in Phoenix, Arizona?
Hard water can be problematic for Phoenix homeowners and renters alike. If you own a home in a location with “very hard” water and don’t currently have a whole-home water softener, you risk one day learning that your home’s pipes are damaged. You could end up owing a plumber hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars to repair your home’s pipes.
While renters don’t necessarily need to worry about fixing pipes, hard water can be problematic in other aspects. Here are some of the major complications that can come from using hard water in your Phoenix home:
- Increases soap residue on appliances (causing additional wear and tear) wear
- Increases your water bill as your water system works harder to provide the normal supply of water
- Clogs shower heads
- Causes dry skin (hard water worsens skin conditions like eczema)
- Makes the scalp dry and itchy
- Clothes don’t last as long (or stay as bright) when continuously washed with hard water
- Tastes bad
- Makes spots on dishes and glassware
One article by local Phoenix television station AZ TV 7 evaluated whether a water softener was worth the buy if you live in Arizona. The solution was simple:
“Undoubtedly, the cost of a water softener system is worthwhile as it will save you thousands of dollars in the future.”
When living in a city with “very hard” water that causes more than enough problems, you should definitely consider getting a whole-home water softener system. Not only will a water softener eliminate the problems of hard water, but you’ll enjoy your water so much more.
Filter Smart’s salt-free water softeners are environmentally friendly, don’t require electricity, and have up to 99% scale reduction. The reusable tank is guaranteed for life, and maintenance is simple, making it easier than ever to enjoy soft water in your Phoenix home.
You don’t need to use hard water inconveniently just because you live in an area with “very hard” water like Phoenix — especially when we can provide you with an efficient whole-home water softener!
