Redlands Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The Redlands Municipal Utilities and Engineering Department serves approximately 70,000 residents in the City of Redlands, San Bernardino County, California. Primary sources include groundwater pumped from the Bunker Hill Basin aquifer and imported surface water from the Santa Ana River system delivered via the California State Water Project. Multiple wells tap the local groundwater basin while treatment plants process these blended supplies to meet all state and federal drinking water standards, with treatment including chlorination, fluoridation, and blending for quality control throughout distribution.

The Santa Ana River watershed spans coastal mountains to inland valleys, with Redlands' supply influenced by the upper reaches and the Bunker Hill groundwater subbasin. Geology features alluvial aquifers overlying Miocene-Pliocene sedimentary rocks including the San Timoteo Formation, interspersed with Franciscan Complex bedrock and granitic intrusions. This mineral-rich matrix imparts a hard character through natural dissolution of alkaline earth metals from prolonged contact with carbonate-bearing strata, elevating calcium and magnesium concentrations in the blended supply.

Hard water at 152 mg/L promotes scale buildup in pipes, heaters, and fixtures, reducing efficiency in water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines while causing soap scum and dry skin. Affected appliances may see 20–30% higher energy use. Regular vinegar descaling and magnetic treatments help; a water softener is recommended to extend appliance lifespan and improve lathering. The utility reports pH typically 7.5–8.5, with full compliance on lead and copper Rule 90th percentile limits and no lead service lines verified via full inspection. No PFAS exceedances noted in recent CCRs; minor detections of arsenic, nitrate, and disinfection byproducts remain below MCLs.