Sun Lakes Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
18.4 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
836.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.84
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 Sun Lakes, your appliances are currently losing 42% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Sun Lakes | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -82% |
| Washing Machine | 3 yrs | 12 yrs | -75% |
| Water Heater | 5 yrs | 15 yrs | -67% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Sun Lakes compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Sun Lakes, Arizona | 315 mg/L | 4.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Chandler, Arizona | 175.5 mg/L | 2.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Gilbert, Arizona | 356.5 mg/L | 4.8 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Ahwatukee Foothills, Arizona | 172.5 mg/L | 2.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Tempe, Arizona | 420 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Sun Lakes compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Sun Lakes | 315 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
Bring Badger-quality water to your Sun Lakes home
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What Makes Sun Lakes's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Sun Lakes, Arizona, in Maricopa County — a Maricopa County retirement community adjacent to Chandler and Gilbert in south-central Arizona — receives its water from the Sun Lakes Water Company, drawing from the Salt River Project or Colorado River imported supply (Maricopa County) through the south Maricopa County distribution.
The extremely hard 315 mg/L hardness and very high TDS of 836.9 mg/L reflect the south-central Arizona Maricopa County Colorado River supply's extreme calcareous-evaporitic character — consistent with other south Maricopa County communities (Chandler: ~314 mg/L; Gilbert: ~315 mg/L). The Colorado River at Maricopa County drains — Permian Kaibab Limestone (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Permian Coconino Sandstone (slightly calcareous), Triassic evaporitic formations (gypsum — primary TDS contributor), and Quaternary Sonoran Desert alluvium (calcareous-evaporitic).
At 315 mg/L with TDS 836, Sun Lakes' water is extremely hard. A water softener is strongly recommended, and a reverse osmosis system is essential for drinking water. Scale builds very rapidly on all surfaces and appliances. The PFAS level of 4.3 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — Luke Air Force Base (Maricopa County — AFFF) and the Arizona Maricopa County military-industrial corridor contribute to Sun Lakes' readings.
Geology & Source: Sun Lakes in Maricopa County draws from the Sun Lakes Water Company on Colorado River imported supply (Maricopa County, south-central Arizona) — the Colorado at Maricopa drains the Colorado Plateau (Permian Kaibab Limestone — calcareous) and Triassic evaporitic formations (gypsum — primary TDS contributor) — Arizona Maricopa County Colorado River Permian calcareous-evaporitic watershed produces extremely hard water at 315 mg/L with TDS 836.9 mg/L.