Water Quality in San Diego
Overview
San Diego’s water quality is monitored and reported annually through the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which provides detailed information on the drinking water delivered to residents. The report includes data on the sources of water, the contaminants tested, and how the water meets state and federal standards.
Sources of Water for the city of San Diego
San Diego’s water comes from a combination of local sources and imported water. The primary sources include:
Local reservoirs: Collecting rainwater and runoff.
Imported water: From the Colorado River and the State Water Project.
Water Hardness in San Diego is a serious problem, and most residents of San Diego have to find a way to deal with the high levels of hardness in their water.
San Diego Water Hardness Levels
- San Diego Average Hardness: Approximately 16 grains per gallon (gr/gal) or 276 parts per million (ppm).
- San Diego Water Hardness Range: Typically, between 272 to 284 mg/L.
Effects of Hard Water
- On Appliances: Mineral deposits can build up in pipes and appliances, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.
- On Skin and Hair: Hard water can cause dryness and irritation, making it difficult to lather soap and shampoo.
- On Cleaning: It can leave spots on dishes and glassware and make cleaning more challenging.
Solutions for water hardness in San Diego
- Water Softeners: Installing a water softener can help reduce the hardness of the water. This is not the best option because water softeners exchange salt for hardness, adding an unhealthy amount of salt to your drinking water. Which is corrosive and bad for the environment. Its usage is also being banned in many municipalities.
- HydroFLOW: this is the best option for treating hard water. It lets you keep the healthy calcium in your water but renders it harmless by not allowing it to adhere to your plumbing and fixture surfaces. Learn more about the benefits of HydroFLOW.
Contaminants and Testing
The water is tested for various contaminants, including:
Microbial contaminants: Such as viruses and bacteria.
Inorganic contaminants: Including salts and metals, pesticides and herbicides: Normally caused by agricultural runoff.
Organic chemical contaminants: Including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals.
Radioactive contaminants: Naturally occurring or from oil and gas production.
San Diego Water Quality Results
The latest report indicates that San Diego’s drinking water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards. Key findings include:
No violations: The water quality tests showed no violations of health-based standards.
Low levels of contaminants: The detected levels of contaminants were well below the maximum allowable limits.
Additional Information
For more detailed information, you can refer to the City of San Diego’s annual Drinking Water Quality Report.