Lakewood Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.7 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
243.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.26
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 Lakewood, your appliances are currently losing 13% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Lakewood | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.4 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -25% |
| Washing Machine | 10 yrs | 12 yrs | -17% |
| Water Heater | 11.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -22% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Lakewood compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Lakewood, California | 98 mg/L | 4.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Bellflower, California | 179 mg/L | 7.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Paramount, California | 147 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Artesia, California | 180.5 mg/L | 7.1 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Hawaiian Gardens, California | 177.5 mg/L | 7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Lakewood compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Lakewood | 98 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
Bring Badger-quality water to your Lakewood home
Shop water softeners on Amazon.com →
What Makes Lakewood's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Lakewood, California, in south Los Angeles County adjacent to Long Beach and Signal Hill, draws its municipal water supply through a blend of sources: the Central Basin Municipal Water District (covering the southeast Los Angeles County groundwater basin) providing local groundwater from the Central Basin alluvial aquifer, and Metropolitan Water District (MWD) imported water via the MWD south LA County distribution network. Lakewood is an unincorporated-turned-incorporated planned city on the Los Angeles coastal plain. Water hardness in Lakewood measures 98 mg/L — classified as moderately soft.
Lakewood's moderately soft supply reflects the south Los Angeles County water blend. The Central Basin Municipal Water District serves the southeast LA County coastal plain — an area supplied by a blend of local alluvial groundwater from the Central Basin (recharged by Los Angeles River spreading and direct percolation) and MWD imported water. The Central Basin alluvial aquifer in the Lakewood–Long Beach area tends toward moderate hardness from the Quaternary coastal plain alluvium, while MWD imported water (Colorado River and SWP blend) contributes additional mineral character. The resulting 98 mg/L reflects this coastal plain blend.
With hardness at 98 mg/L, Lakewood residents experience light to moderate scale accumulation. Faucet aerators and showerheads develop deposits slowly — bi-monthly cleaning with citric acid solution is sufficient. Dishwashers produce clean glassware. Central Basin Municipal Water District and local utilities consistently deliver water meeting all California SWRCB and EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Geology & Source: Mixed supply from Long Beach Water Department distribution — a blend of Metropolitan Water District (MWD) imported water (Colorado River Aqueduct and State Water Project) and local Central Basin Municipal Water District groundwater — and/or directly from the Central Basin Municipal Water District — the Los Angeles–Orange County coastal plain alluvial basin; moderately hard supply at 98 mg/L in south Los Angeles County.