Coto De Caza Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.8 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
432.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.40
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 Coto De Caza, your appliances are currently losing 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Coto De Caza | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -46% |
| Washing Machine | 8 yrs | 12 yrs | -33% |
| Water Heater | 9.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -36% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Coto De Caza compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Coto De Caza, California | 151 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Rancho Santa Margarita, California | 136 mg/L | 5.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Ladera Ranch, California | 56.5 mg/L | 3.5 ppt | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Mission Viejo, California | 173 mg/L | 6.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Lake Forest, California | 76.5 mg/L | 4.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Coto De Caza compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Coto De Caza | 151 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Coto De Caza's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Coto De Caza, California, in Orange County — an unincorporated Orange County community adjacent to Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita in the south Orange County foothills — receives its water from the South Orange County Water Authority (SOCWA) or Santa Margarita Water District, drawing from Metropolitan Water District (MWD) Colorado River and State Water Project imports through the south Orange County distribution.
The moderately hard 151 mg/L hardness and TDS of 432.2 mg/L (elevated TDS relative to hardness — reflecting the Colorado River MWD import's high dissolved sulfate and chloride) are consistent with the south Orange County MWD-supplied communities (Mission Viejo: ~148 mg/L; Rancho Santa Margarita: ~152 mg/L). The MWD Colorado River supply carries dissolved minerals from upstream Permian evaporitic Colorado Plateau formations (high sulfate and chloride — dominant TDS contributor) and Cretaceous Kaibab Limestone calcareous input.
At 151 mg/L, Coto De Caza's water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need periodic cleaning. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 6.2 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Orange County south California military installations (El Toro Marine Corps Air Station — legacy AFFF), the Camp Pendleton (San Diego County — AFFF) PFAS plume, and the south Orange County industrial corridor contribute to Coto De Caza's readings.
Geology & Source: Coto De Caza in Orange County draws from the South Orange County Water Authority on MWD Colorado River and State Water Project imports (Orange County, south California) — MWD delivers Colorado River water blended with SWP Northern California imports — California Orange County MWD Colorado River-SWP mixed supply produces moderately hard water at 151 mg/L with TDS 432.2 mg/L.