Clearlake Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
10.7 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
8.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.009 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
579.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.49
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 Clearlake, your appliances are currently losing 25% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Clearlake | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -59% |
| Washing Machine | 6.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -43% |
| Water Heater | 8.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -45% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Clearlake compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Clearlake, California | 184 mg/L | 7.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Windsor, California | 174 mg/L | 7.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Santa Rosa, California | 95.5 mg/L | 4.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Ukiah, California | 150 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Rohnert Park, California | 123.5 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Clearlake compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Clearlake | 184 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Clearlake's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Clearlake, California, in Lake County — a Lake County city adjacent to Lakeport and Clearlake Oaks on Clear Lake in the North Coast Ranges of California — receives its water from the Clearlake Highlands Water District, drawing from Clear Lake (Lake County) through the north California water treatment system.
The hard 184 mg/L hardness and elevated TDS of 579.3 mg/L (significantly elevated TDS relative to hardness — reflecting Clear Lake's closed-basin evaporitic concentration character) reflect the Lake County Clear Lake volcanic-evaporitic setting. Clear Lake is a closed basin (no outlet to the ocean in dry years) developed in Pliocene Clear Lake Volcanics (slightly calcareous volcanic tuff and basalt), Mesozoic Franciscan Complex (slightly calcareous serpentinite — mercury and mineral source), and Quaternary evaporitic lake sediments (concentrated dissolved solids from evaporative concentration). The closed-basin evaporitic concentration and volcanic-calcareous input produce the hard Lake County supply.
At 184 mg/L with TDS 579, Clearlake's water is hard — scale builds steadily in kettles and appliances, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and water heaters should be descaled annually. Monthly descaling is recommended. The PFAS level of 7.4 ppt warrants a certified reverse osmosis drinking water filter — the Lake County north California industrial corridor and the Clear Lake watershed PFAS background from the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine Superfund site area (industrial chemical legacy) contribute to Clearlake's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Clearlake in Lake County draws from the Clearlake Highlands Water District on Clear Lake (Lake County, north California Coast Ranges) — Clear Lake drains the Coast Ranges (Mesozoic Franciscan Complex, Pliocene Clear Lake Volcanics — slightly calcareous-evaporitic) — California Lake County Clear Lake volcanic-calcareous basin produces hard water at 184 mg/L with TDS 579.3 mg/L.