Flowing Wells Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
13.8 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
8.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
559.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.63
energy & soap waste
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Flowing Wells, your appliances are currently losing 32% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Flowing Wells | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -79% |
| Washing Machine | 4.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -60% |
| Water Heater | 6.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -59% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Flowing Wells compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Flowing Wells, Arizona | 236.5 mg/L | 3.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Casas Adobes, Arizona | 418.5 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Catalina Foothills, Arizona | 434 mg/L | 5.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Oro Valley, Arizona | 199.5 mg/L | 3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Tucson, Arizona | 255.5 mg/L | 3.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Flowing Wells compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Flowing Wells | 236.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Flowing Wells's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Flowing Wells, Arizona, in Pima County — an unincorporated Pima County community adjacent to Tucson and Marana in the north Tucson metro — receives its municipal water from the Flowing Wells Irrigation District (FWID), drawing from the Central Arizona Project (CAP) canal (Colorado River) and local groundwater wells in the Tucson Basin aquifer (Pima County).
The very hard 236.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 559.1 mg/L reflect the blend of CAP Colorado River water and local Tucson Basin groundwater. CAP water from the Colorado River carries calcareous loading from the Pennsylvanian Supai Group and Permian Kaibab Dolomite (Grand Canyon-area carbonate drainage). Local Tucson Basin groundwater developed in Quaternary Basin and Range alluvium (calcareous caliche) adds significant mineral load. The blended supply produces the very hard north Tucson reading.
At 236.5 mg/L, Flowing Wells' water is very hard. A water softener is strongly recommended. Scale builds rapidly on heating surfaces and appliances, and water heaters require annual descaling without softening. The PFAS level of 3.4 ppt is low — the Pima County north Tucson setting has limited AFFF military sources near Flowing Wells (Davis-Monthan AFB is in southeast Tucson — further away), and the Tucson urban corridor contributes modest PFAS readings.
Geology & Source: Flowing Wells in Pima County draws from the Flowing Wells Irrigation District on the Central Arizona Project and local wells (Pima County, north Tucson) — the CAP delivers Colorado River water (Pennsylvanian Supai calcareous, Permian Kaibab dolomite) blended with local Basin and Range alluvial aquifer — Arizona Pima County Colorado River-Basin Range blend produces very hard water at 236.5 mg/L with TDS 559.1 mg/L in this Pima County Arizona community.