Citrus Heights Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
9.6 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
8.1
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
488.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.44
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 Citrus Heights, your appliances are currently losing 22% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Citrus Heights | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -51% |
| Washing Machine | 7.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -37% |
| Water Heater | 9.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -39% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Citrus Heights compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Citrus Heights, California | 163.5 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Roseville, California | 145 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Antelope, California | 128 mg/L | 5.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Orangevale, California | 45 mg/L | 3.3 ppt | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Fair Oaks, California | 125.5 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Citrus Heights compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Citrus Heights | 163.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Citrus Heights's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Citrus Heights, California, a suburb in northeastern Sacramento County, draws its municipal water supply through the San Juan Water District and Sacramento Suburban Water District (SSWD), sourcing from both treated American River surface water (from Folsom Lake in El Dorado County) and a significant fraction of local groundwater wells tapping the North American Subbasin of the Sacramento Valley alluvial aquifer. Water hardness in Citrus Heights measures 163.5 mg/L — classified as hard, dramatically higher than adjacent Arden-Arcade (58 mg/L) on similar supply infrastructure.
Citrus Heights' substantially higher hardness compared to Arden-Arcade (both in northeast Sacramento County near the SSWD service area) indicates a much larger proportion of local groundwater in Citrus Heights' finished supply. The Sacramento Valley North American Subbasin groundwater in the Citrus Heights zone draws from deeper Pleistocene–Pliocene alluvial aquifer sediments — including the Mehrten Formation (Pliocene andesitic volcanic mudflow and debris) and the Valley Springs Formation (Pliocene continental sediment) beneath the Sacramento Valley plain. These deeper alluvial formations contain calcareous volcanic sediment and reworked calcareous soils from the Central Valley floor, contributing substantial dissolved calcium far above the soft American River baseline. The significant groundwater fraction in Citrus Heights dominates the blend.
At 163.5 mg/L, Citrus Heights residents face regular hard water challenges. Scale deposits form on faucet aerators, showerheads, and appliances within weeks — monthly descaling with citric acid solution is standard maintenance. Dishwashers require rinse-aid, and water heaters benefit from annual inspection. San Juan Water District and SSWD consistently deliver water meeting all California SWRCB and EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Geology & Source: Mixed supply from the American River (Folsom Lake) via Sacramento Suburban Water District (SSWD) and San Juan Water District treated water, and local groundwater from the North American Subbasin of the Sacramento Valley — the Central Valley Quaternary alluvial gravel and clay aquifer; moderately hard supply at 163.5 mg/L in Sacramento County — harder than adjacent Arden-Arcade (58 mg/L) suggesting substantial groundwater blending.