Redlands Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
10.5 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
8.2
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
548.6 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.48
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 Redlands, your appliances are currently losing 24% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Redlands | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -56% |
| Washing Machine | 7 yrs | 12 yrs | -42% |
| Water Heater | 8.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -44% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Redlands compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Redlands, California | 179 mg/L | 7.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Highland, California | 83.5 mg/L | 4.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Loma Linda, California | 115.5 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| San Bernardino, California | 166 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Moreno Valley, California | 70.5 mg/L | 3.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Redlands compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Redlands | 179 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Redlands's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Redlands, California, in San Bernardino County in the Inland Empire — a historic citrus city at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains, home of the University of Redlands — draws its municipal water supply through the City of Redlands Water Division, sourcing from State Water Project (SWP) imported water delivered through the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) and East Valley Water District, and from local San Bernardino Valley groundwater — specifically the Bunker Hill Basin and the Redlands Basin of the San Bernardino Valley alluvial aquifer system. Water hardness in Redlands measures 179 mg/L — classified as hard.
Redlands' hard supply reflects the Inland Empire's San Bernardino Valley water blend. The San Bernardino Valley alluvial groundwater is recharged by the Santa Ana River (flowing from the San Bernardino Mountains — Cretaceous San Bernardino Mountains granodiorite and Precambrian gneiss) through the Bunker Hill Basin alluvial fan. The alluvial fan sediments contain calcareous material from the mountain drainage and the Perris Block and Transverse Ranges calcareous terrain, and the arid Inland Empire climate concentrates dissolved minerals. The SWP imported water blends with the locally harder groundwater to produce the 179 mg/L hard supply in Redlands.
At 179 mg/L, Redlands residents face regular hard water challenges. Scale deposits form on faucet aerators, showerheads, and appliances within weeks — monthly descaling with citric acid solution is standard maintenance. City of Redlands Water Division consistently delivers water meeting all California SWRCB and EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Geology & Source: Mixed supply from East Valley Water District and the City of Redlands Water Division — State Water Project (SWP) imports (Sacramento–Feather River, via the Inland Empire Utilities Agency) and San Bernardino Valley local groundwater from the Bunker Hill Basin — the San Bernardino Valley alluvial aquifer system beneath the inland San Bernardino Valley; hard supply at 179 mg/L in San Bernardino County (Inland Empire).