Big Bear City Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
3.7 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
7.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
138.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.17
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 Big Bear City, your appliances are currently losing 8% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Big Bear City | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -12% |
| Washing Machine | 11.3 yrs | 12 yrs | -6% |
| Water Heater | 13.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -13% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Big Bear City compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Big Bear City, California | 62.5 mg/L | 3.6 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Yucaipa, California | 83 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Banning, California | 92 mg/L | 4.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Lake Arrowhead, California | 71 mg/L | 3.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Beaumont, California | 159.5 mg/L | 6.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Big Bear City compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Big Bear City | 62.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Big Bear City's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Big Bear City, California, in San Bernardino County — a San Bernardino County unincorporated community adjacent to Big Bear Lake and Running Springs in the San Bernardino Mountains — receives its water from the Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency system, drawing from Big Bear Lake reservoir (San Bernardino County) through the San Bernardino Mountains distribution.
The soft 62.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 138.2 mg/L reflect the San Bernardino Mountains Big Bear supply's soft character — comparable to Lake Arrowhead CA (71/161.5) in the same mountains, the Cretaceous Peninsular Ranges Batholith insoluble granite and Precambrian San Gabriel gneiss produce soft water typical of the high-altitude San Bernardino Mountains reservoir communities. The Big Bear Lake reservoir at San Bernardino County — Cretaceous Peninsular Ranges Batholith granite (insoluble — primary dilutant), Precambrian San Gabriel gneiss (insoluble — secondary dilutant), and Quaternary mountain outwash (slightly calcareous — minor hardness contributor).
At 62.5 mg/L, Big Bear City's water is soft — scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and no softening is needed. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 3.6 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the San Bernardino County mountain-recreational corridor contribute to Big Bear City's readings.
Geology & Source: Big Bear City in San Bernardino County draws from the Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency on Big Bear Lake reservoir (San Bernardino County, San Bernardino Mountains, California) — Big Bear Lake drains Cretaceous Peninsular Ranges Batholith (insoluble) and Precambrian San Gabriel gneiss (insoluble) — California San Bernardino County San Bernardino Mountains Cretaceous insoluble supply produces soft water at 62.5 mg/L with TDS 138.2 mg/L.