Alpine Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.2 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
213.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.24
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 Alpine, your appliances are currently losing 12% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Alpine | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -21% |
| Washing Machine | 10.3 yrs | 12 yrs | -14% |
| Water Heater | 12 yrs | 15 yrs | -20% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Alpine compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Alpine, California | 89 mg/L | 4.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Lakeside, California | 94.5 mg/L | 4.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Winter Gardens, California | 189 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Bostonia, California | 191 mg/L | 7.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Rancho San Diego, California | 135 mg/L | 5.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Alpine compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Alpine | 89 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Alpine's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Alpine, California, in San Diego County — a San Diego County community adjacent to El Cajon and Lakeside in the east San Diego County foothills — receives its water from the Padre Dam Municipal Water District (PDMWD), drawing from the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) imported supply (San Diego County) through the east San Diego County distribution.
The moderately hard 89 mg/L hardness and TDS of 213.7 mg/L reflect the east San Diego County SDCWA imported supply's moderate character — the Colorado River imported supply is treated to moderate hardness, while the local foothills position and blend with the State Water Project produce the Alpine supply. The SDCWA imported supply at San Diego County — Colorado River via the Metropolitan Water District aqueduct (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), State Water Project Northern California Sierra Nevada supply (very soft — dilutant), and minor local Precambrian Peninsular Ranges granite groundwater (insoluble).
At 89 mg/L, Alpine's water is moderately hard — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need occasional cleaning. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.4 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — Naval Air Station North Island (San Diego County — AFFF) and the San Diego County military corridor contribute to Alpine's readings.
Geology & Source: Alpine in San Diego County draws from the Padre Dam Municipal Water District on the San Diego County Water Authority imported supply (San Diego County, southwest California) — the imported supply draws from the Colorado River and State Water Project (slightly calcareous, blended) — California San Diego County SDCWA imported Colorado-SWP blend produces moderately hard water at 89 mg/L with TDS 213.7 mg/L.