Pacifica Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.7 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
246.9 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 Pacifica, your appliances are currently losing 13% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Pacifica | 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 Pacifica compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Pacifica, California | 98 mg/L | 4.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| San Bruno, California | 162 mg/L | 6.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| South San Francisco, California | 52 mg/L | 3.5 ppt | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Daly City, California | 79.5 mg/L | 4.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Millbrae, California | 126.5 mg/L | 5.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Pacifica compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Pacifica | 98 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Pacifica's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Pacifica, California, in San Mateo County on the Pacific Ocean — a coastal San Mateo County community known for its dramatic Pacific fog, surfing culture (Pacifica is a major Northern California surf destination — Linda Mar Beach and Rockaway Beach are popular Pacific surf spots), a working-class and middle-class San Francisco south suburban coastal community, and a scenic Coast Ranges–Pacific interface community adjacent to the San Francisco watershed lands and the Sweeney Ridge National Recreation Area — draws its municipal water supply from Crystal Springs Reservoir via California Water Service Company (Calwater). Water hardness in Pacifica measures 98 mg/L — classified as moderately soft.
Pacifica's moderate softness reflects the San Mateo County Coast Ranges watershed's calcareous-poor Franciscan Complex geology. The Crystal Springs and San Andreas Reservoirs watershed at San Mateo County drains: the Franciscan Complex (the Pacific Coast subduction complex — Jurassic–Cretaceous Franciscan graywacke, argillite, chert, and Coast Range Ophiolite serpentinite — calcareous-poor ocean floor and trench sediment). The Franciscan Complex is one of the most calcareous-poor terrains in California. Calwater's treatment of the calcareous-poor Franciscan watershed produces the moderate 98 mg/L at Pacifica.
With hardness at 98 mg/L, Pacifica residents enjoy moderately soft water. California Water Service Company consistently delivers water meeting all California SWRCB and EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Geology & Source: Reservoir supply from the San Andreas Reservoir and Crystal Springs Reservoir (San Mateo County watersheds) via the Calwater (California Water Service Company) — the San Mateo County northwest Bay Area coast (Jurassic–Cretaceous Franciscan Complex graywacke and serpentinite — calcareous-poor Franciscan subduction complex of the Coast Ranges); moderately soft supply at 98 mg/L in San Mateo County.