Clayton Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
10.5 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
8.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
562.6 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.48
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 Clayton, your appliances are currently losing 24% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Clayton | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -58% |
| Washing Machine | 6.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -43% |
| Water Heater | 8.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -44% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Clayton compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Clayton, California | 180.5 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Bay Point, California | 119.5 mg/L | 5.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Pittsburg, California | 128 mg/L | 5.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Concord, California | 97 mg/L | 4.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Pleasant Hill, California | 144 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Clayton compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Clayton | 180.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Clayton's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Clayton, California, in Contra Costa County — a Contra Costa County city adjacent to Concord and Walnut Creek at the foot of Mount Diablo in north-central California — receives its water from the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), drawing from Pardee Reservoir on the Mokelumne River through the east bay California distribution.
The hard 180.5 mg/L hardness and elevated TDS of 562.6 mg/L reflect the Contra Costa County EBMUD supply's hard character — the Mokelumne River originates in Sierra Nevada Mesozoic granodiorite (insoluble), but blending with Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta water adds sulfates, chlorides, and other dissolved minerals that elevate TDS significantly beyond what hardness alone explains (compare Concord CA: 178/556 in Contra Costa County comparable; Walnut Creek CA: 182/568 in Contra Costa County comparable; Clayton consistent hard from the same Contra Costa County EBMUD Mokelumne-Sierra Nevada supply). The Mokelumne watershed — Mesozoic Sierra Nevada Granodiorite (insoluble — dilutant), Tertiary Valley Formation (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Quaternary Delta alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 180.5 mg/L with TDS 563, Clayton's water is hard with elevated dissolved solids — scale builds in appliances over months, and the high TDS is noticeable in taste. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 7.3 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter. Review EBMUD's annual water quality report for the latest data.
Geology & Source: Clayton in Contra Costa County draws from East Bay MUD on Pardee Reservoir (Contra Costa County, north-central California) — the Mokelumne watershed drains Mesozoic Sierra Nevada Granodiorite (insoluble) and Tertiary Valley Formation (slightly calcareous) — California Contra Costa County Mokelumne River Sierra Nevada supply produces hard water at 180.5 mg/L with TDS 562.6 mg/L.