Burbank Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Burbank Water and Power serves approximately 105,451 residents across the City of Burbank in Los Angeles County, California. The utility purchases surface water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), a regional wholesaler serving 19 million people across a 5,200-square-mile service area operating five water treatment plants and 830 miles of transmission pipes. Burbank's supply blends 33% imported water from the State Water Project (via the 444-mile California Aqueduct) with 47% stored groundwater from underground aquifers beneath the city; recycled water returned to these aquifers earns Burbank groundwater credits.

Burbank's supply originates from two distinct geological contexts. Imported water from the State Water Project and MWD system comes from Sierra Nevada snowmelt and Colorado River sources, traversing granitic and sedimentary rock formations. Locally, groundwater is drawn from Los Angeles Basin aquifers composed of Quaternary and Tertiary sedimentary deposits rich in calcium and magnesium-bearing minerals. This combination — particularly the groundwater component from mineral-rich sedimentary aquifers — yields a hard water supply characteristic of Southern California's hydrogeology.

Very hard water in Burbank causes noticeable scale buildup on fixtures and within water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, reducing efficiency and lifespan while increasing energy consumption. Hard water may also clog pipes over time. Burbank Water and Power recommends water softening treatment to protect plumbing and appliances from premature wear. The utility meets all EPA MCLGs and California standards, testing 286+ contaminants with zero violations; chloramines serve as the primary disinfectant. PFAS is monitored as a priority concern in California, and lead and copper compliance is maintained through established treatment protocols.