Camp Pendleton South Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.4 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
172.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.20
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 Camp Pendleton South, your appliances are currently losing 10% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Camp Pendleton South | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.1 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -16% |
| Washing Machine | 10.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -10% |
| Water Heater | 12.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -16% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Camp Pendleton South compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Camp Pendleton South, California | 75 mg/L | 4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Oceanside, California | 163.5 mg/L | 6.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Carlsbad, California | 120 mg/L | 5.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Vista, California | 128.5 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Fallbrook, California | 149 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Camp Pendleton South compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Camp Pendleton South | 75 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Camp Pendleton South's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Camp Pendleton South, California, in San Diego County — the southern portion of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton adjacent to Oceanside and the San Diego-Riverside County line on the north San Diego coast — receives its water from the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Water Department, drawing from the Santa Margarita River through the north San Diego coast distribution.
The soft 75 mg/L hardness and TDS of 172.9 mg/L reflect the San Diego County supply's soft coastal character — the Cretaceous Temecula Tonalite is largely insoluble intrusive rock, while the Quaternary Santa Margarita alluvium contributes slightly calcareous mineral content from the coastal alluvial deposits (compare Oceanside CA: 72/166 in San Diego County comparable; Fallbrook CA: 77/179 in San Diego County comparable; Camp Pendleton South consistent soft from the same San Diego County Santa Margarita River Cretaceous insoluble supply). The Santa Margarita watershed — Cretaceous Temecula Tonalite (insoluble — primary dilutant), Quaternary Santa Margarita alluvium (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Holocene Santa Margarita River alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 75 mg/L with TDS 173, Camp Pendleton South's water is soft — minimal scale buildup. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.0 ppt is moderate — a certified drinking water filter provides added protection. Review MCB Camp Pendleton's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Camp Pendleton South in San Diego County draws from the Camp Pendleton MCB Water on the Santa Margarita River (San Diego County, north San Diego coast California) — the Santa Margarita watershed draws from Cretaceous Temecula Tonalite (insoluble) and Quaternary Santa Margarita alluvium (slightly calcareous) — California San Diego County Santa Margarita River Cretaceous insoluble supply produces soft water at 75 mg/L with TDS 172.9 mg/L.