El Camino Real Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.5 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.006 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
411 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.39
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 El Camino Real, your appliances are currently losing 19% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In El Camino Real | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -44% |
| Washing Machine | 8.2 yrs | 12 yrs | -32% |
| Water Heater | 9.8 yrs | 15 yrs | -35% |
Regional Water Comparison
How El Camino Real compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ El Camino Real, California | 145.5 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Northwood, California | 146 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Woodbridge, California | 145 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Stonegate, California | 145.5 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Westpark, California | 145 mg/L | 6.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How El Camino Real compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ El Camino Real | 145.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes El Camino Real's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
El Camino Real, California, in Orange County — an unincorporated Orange County community adjacent to Rancho Santa Margarita and Las Flores in the south Orange County foothills — receives its water from the Santa Margarita Water District, drawing from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) Colorado River Aqueduct and State Water Project (SWP) imports, supplemented by local recycled water.
The moderately hard 145.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 411 mg/L reflect the south Orange County imported supply's calcareous Colorado River character — consistent with other MWD-fed south Orange County communities. The Colorado River Aqueduct delivers water from the Colorado River, which drains the Rocky Mountains — Cretaceous Mancos Shale (calcareous), Permian Supai Formation (evaporitic — gypsum contributor to TDS), and Triassic Moenkopi Formation (calcareous). The imported Colorado River calcareous loading produces the moderately hard south Orange County supply.
At 145.5 mg/L, El Camino Real'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 6.1 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Orange County south California industrial corridor and the MWD Colorado River PFAS background contribute to El Camino Real's readings.
Geology & Source: El Camino Real in Orange County draws from the Santa Margarita Water District on imported Colorado River Aqueduct supply (Orange County, south California) — the Colorado drains the Rocky Mountains (Cretaceous Mancos Shale calcareous, Permian Supai evaporitic) — California Orange County Colorado River imported calcareous supply produces moderately hard water at 145.5 mg/L with TDS 411 mg/L.