Water Quality in Riverside, California

Overview

Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) is responsible for providing water to the residents of Riverside, California. The water quality is monitored rigorously, with over 22,000 water quality tests conducted annually to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations¹.

Contaminants

Riverside’s water contains various contaminants, some of which are naturally occurring, while others result from human activities. Key contaminants include:

• Arsenic: Found at levels significantly higher than health guidelines, at 172 times the recommended limit².
• PFHXS: Detected at 2.2 times the health guidelines².
• Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs): By-products of drinking water disinfection³.
• Nitrate: Present due to agricultural runoff and natural deposits³.
• Lead and Copper: Typically from household plumbing systems³.

Despite these contaminants, RPU ensures that the water meets or surpasses all state and federal drinking water standards¹.

Water Hardness

Water hardness in Riverside is relatively high. The hardness levels are typically measured in grains per gallon (gpg) or milligrams per liter (mg/L). Riverside’s water hardness generally falls within the range of 100-300 mg/L, which is considered hard⁴. This high hardness is due to the presence of calcium and magnesium minerals dissolved in the water as it travels through the ground.

• 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 Riverside California

• 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

Water Treatment and Safety Measures

RPU employs several treatment processes to ensure water safety:

• Filtration and Disinfection: To remove contaminants and pathogens.
• Blending: Water from different sources is blended to balance the quality before distribution¹.
• Regular Testing: Continuous monitoring and testing for over 200 regulated and unregulated contaminants¹.

Conclusion

While Riverside’s water contains some contaminants at levels above health guidelines, the rigorous testing and treatment processes ensure that the water remains safe to drink. The high water hardness is a notable characteristic, which may require residents to use water softeners for household use.