Communications Hill Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.1 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
163 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.19
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 Communications Hill, your appliances are currently losing 9% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Communications Hill | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -14% |
| Washing Machine | 11 yrs | 12 yrs | -8% |
| Water Heater | 12.8 yrs | 15 yrs | -15% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Communications Hill compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Communications Hill, California | 70.5 mg/L | 4.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| San Jose, California | 189.5 mg/L | 7.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Alum Rock, California | 93 mg/L | 4.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Campbell, California | 80.5 mg/L | 4.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Santa Clara, California | 79 mg/L | 4.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Communications Hill compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Communications Hill | 70.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Communications Hill's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Communications Hill, California, in Santa Clara County — a Santa Clara County neighborhood in San Jose adjacent to Blossom Hill and Willow Glen in north-central California — receives its water from San Jose Water Company or Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD), drawing from imported Sierra Nevada water and blended local groundwater through the north-central California distribution.
The soft 70.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 163 mg/L reflect the Santa Clara County SCVWD supply's soft character — the Cretaceous Sierra Nevada granodiorite is highly insoluble, while Santa Clara Valley alluvium contributes modest calcareous mineral content from its marine sediment and limestone clast heritage (compare Blossom Hill CA: 68/157 in Santa Clara County comparable; Willow Glen CA: 72/169 in Santa Clara County comparable; Communications Hill consistent soft from the same Santa Clara County SCVWD Sierra Nevada granitic supply). The Santa Clara Valley supply — Cretaceous Sierra Nevada granodiorite (insoluble — primary dilutant), Quaternary Santa Clara Valley alluvium (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Quaternary Bay Area alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 70.5 mg/L with TDS 163, Communications Hill's water is soft — minimal scale buildup. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.1 ppt is moderate and well-managed for Silicon Valley. Review San Jose Water's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Communications Hill in Santa Clara County draws from the San Jose Water on the SCVWD supply (Santa Clara County, north California) — the Santa Clara Valley draws from Cretaceous Sierra Nevada granodiorite (insoluble) and Quaternary Santa Clara Valley alluvium (calcareous) — California Santa Clara County SCVWD Sierra Nevada granitic supply produces soft water at 70.5 mg/L with TDS 163 mg/L.