North Auburn Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
3.7 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
7.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
141.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.17
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 North Auburn, your appliances are currently losing 8% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In North Auburn | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -12% |
| Washing Machine | 11.3 yrs | 12 yrs | -6% |
| Water Heater | 13.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -13% |
Regional Water Comparison
How North Auburn compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ North Auburn, California | 63 mg/L | 3.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Auburn, California | 35 mg/L | 3 ppt | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Granite Bay, California | 30 mg/L | 2.9 ppt | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Rocklin, California | 109.5 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Lincoln, California | 191 mg/L | 7.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How North Auburn compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ North Auburn | 63 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes North Auburn's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
North Auburn, California, in Placer County — a Placer County community adjacent to Auburn and Rocklin in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California — receives its water from the Placer County Water Agency, drawing from Lake Clementine or the American River watershed (Placer County) through the Sierra Nevada foothills distribution.
The soft 63 mg/L hardness and TDS of 141.9 mg/L reflect the Sierra Nevada foothills Placer County supply's soft character — the Jurassic granodiorite and Cretaceous auriferous gravels in the American River watershed contribute minimal calcareous dissolution, producing soft water typical of the Sierra Nevada foothill communities (compare La Grande OR: 20 mg/L; California City CA: 148.5 mg/L on a harder Kern Desert groundwater supply). The American River watershed at Placer County — Jurassic Sierra Nevada granodiorite (insoluble — primary dilutant), Cretaceous auriferous gravels (insoluble — secondary dilutant), and Quaternary valley alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS contributor).
At 63 mg/L, North Auburn's water is soft — scale forms very slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and no softening is needed. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 3.8 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Placer County Sierra Nevada foothills industrial corridor contribute to North Auburn's readings.
Geology & Source: North Auburn in Placer County draws from the Placer County Water Agency on Lake Clementine (Placer County, Sierra Nevada foothills, California) — the American River watershed drains the Sierra Nevada (Jurassic granodiorite — insoluble) and Cretaceous auriferous gravels (insoluble) — California Placer County Sierra Nevada foothill insoluble supply produces soft water at 63 mg/L with TDS 141.9 mg/L.