Parkway Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
9.1 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
8.1
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
455.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.41
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 Parkway, your appliances are currently losing 21% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Parkway | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -47% |
| Washing Machine | 7.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -35% |
| Water Heater | 9.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -37% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Parkway compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Parkway, California | 155.5 mg/L | 6.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Florin, California | 109 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Laguna, California | 56.5 mg/L | 3.6 ppt | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Sacramento, California | 65 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Rosemont, California | 144.5 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Parkway compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Parkway | 155.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Parkway's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Parkway, California, in Sacramento County — an unincorporated Sacramento County community adjacent to South Sacramento and Elk Grove in the south Sacramento metro — receives its water from the Sacramento County Water Agency (SCWA) or local utilities, drawing from the American River and local Sacramento area groundwater (Sacramento County) through the south Sacramento distribution.
The moderately hard 155.5 mg/L hardness and elevated TDS of 455.7 mg/L (elevated TDS relative to hardness — reflecting the Sacramento Valley groundwater's mineral concentration from alluvial valley deposits and agricultural return flow) are slightly harder than the central Sacramento city supply (Sacramento: ~116 mg/L) — reflecting the south Sacramento County groundwater blend contribution. The Sacramento County groundwater is drawn from Quaternary alluvial valley deposits (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Tertiary Mehrten Formation (calcareous volcanic — TDS contributor), and American River Sierra Nevada granite dilution.
At 155.5 mg/L, Parkway'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 6.5 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — McClellan Air Force Base (Sacramento County — AFFF, major Sacramento County legacy PFAS source) and the south Sacramento industrial corridor contribute to Parkway's readings.
Geology & Source: Parkway in Sacramento County draws from the Sacramento County Water Agency on the American River and Sacramento area groundwater (Sacramento County, central California) — the American River drains the Sierra Nevada (Mesozoic Sierra Nevada Batholith — granite, insoluble) — California Sacramento County American River-groundwater Sierra Nevada watershed produces moderately hard water at 155.5 mg/L with TDS 455.7 mg/L.