Pacific Grove Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.8 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
251.4 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.27
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 Pacific Grove, your appliances are currently losing 13% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Pacific Grove | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -26% |
| Washing Machine | 9.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -17% |
| Water Heater | 11.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -23% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Pacific Grove compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Pacific Grove, California | 99.5 mg/L | 4.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Monterey, California | 41.5 mg/L | 3.2 ppt | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Seaside, California | 150.5 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Marina, California | 124 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Salinas, California | 134 mg/L | 5.9 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Pacific Grove compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Pacific Grove | 99.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Pacific Grove's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Pacific Grove, California, in Monterey County — a Monterey County city adjacent to Monterey and Pebble Beach on the Monterey Peninsula — receives its water from California American Water (CalAm), drawing from the Carmel River (Monterey County) and the Seaside Aquifer (Monterey County coastal aquifer) through the Monterey Peninsula water distribution system.
The moderately soft 99.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 251.4 mg/L (elevated TDS relative to hardness — suggesting additional mineral loading from coastal aquifer salinity or evaporitic formations) reflect the Monterey Peninsula's mixed surface-groundwater supply character. The Carmel River drains the Santa Lucia Range — Cretaceous Prunedale Granodiorite (insoluble), Cretaceous Sur Series metamorphic (insoluble), and coastal terrace deposits (minor calcareous). The blended Carmel River and Seaside Aquifer (coastal alluvium, slightly saline interface) produce the moderately soft Monterey Peninsula supply.
At 99.5 mg/L, Pacific Grove's water is moderately soft — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and bathroom fixtures need occasional cleaning. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.9 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey County — AFFF) and the Monterey Peninsula military-adjacent corridor contribute to Pacific Grove's moderately elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Pacific Grove in Monterey County draws from California American Water on the Carmel River and Seaside Aquifer (Monterey County, central California coast) — the Carmel River drains the Santa Lucia Range (Cretaceous Prunedale granodiorite — insoluble) with local coastal terrace well blending — California Monterey County Carmel River-Seaside Aquifer coastal watershed produces moderately soft water at 99.5 mg/L with TDS 251.4 mg/L.