Rialto Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
2.8 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
7.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
102.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.13
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 Rialto, your appliances are currently losing 6% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Rialto | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -6% |
| Washing Machine | 11.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -2% |
| Water Heater | 13.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -9% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Rialto compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Rialto, California | 48.5 mg/L | 3.3 ppt | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Bloomington, California | 142 mg/L | 6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Colton, California | 82 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Fontana, California | 123 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| San Bernardino, California | 166 mg/L | 6.7 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Rialto compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Rialto | 48.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Rialto's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Rialto, California, in the western San Bernardino Valley in San Bernardino County, receives its municipal water supply through the City of Rialto Municipal Utilities Division, sourcing from the Rialto–Colton Basin groundwater wells — an alluvial aquifer recharged by Cajon Creek and Santa Ana River spreading from the San Bernardino Mountains — and from the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (SBVMWD) State Water Project import water delivered via the Inland Feeder pipeline and Rialto distribution connections. Water hardness measures 48.5 mg/L — classified as soft.
Rialto's very soft supply reflects the character of the Rialto–Colton Basin alluvial aquifer — recharged primarily by the San Bernardino Mountains. Cajon Creek and Santa Ana River headwaters originate in the San Bernardino Mountains — draining Precambrian Peninsular Ranges crystalline terrain (augen gneiss, migmatite) and Cretaceous San Bernardino Mountains granite and quartz monzonite — all calcium-poor crystalline rock. The Cajon Pass alluvial fan and Santa Ana River upper valley spread this soft mountain runoff into the Rialto–Colton Basin alluvial gravel, and the shallow aquifer residence time in sandy fan deposits limits carbonate equilibration. The SWP import fraction adds soft Sierra Nevada–Feather River water to the blend.
With hardness at 48.5 mg/L, Rialto residents enjoy very soft water with minimal scale challenges. Soap and shampoo lather well. Faucet aerators and showerheads rarely need descaling. Dishwashers produce clean glassware. City of Rialto Municipal Utilities consistently delivers water meeting all California SWRCB and EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Geology & Source: Mixed supply from the Rialto–Colton groundwater basin and San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (SBVMWD) State Water Project imports via the City of Rialto Water Utility — the Cajon Creek–Santa Ana River alluvial basin recharged by San Bernardino Mountains Precambrian crystalline and Mesozoic granodiorite produces very soft supply at 48.5 mg/L in the western San Bernardino Valley.