Rio Linda Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
7.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
158.6 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.18
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 Rio Linda, your appliances are currently losing 9% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Rio Linda | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -14% |
| Washing Machine | 11 yrs | 12 yrs | -8% |
| Water Heater | 12.8 yrs | 15 yrs | -15% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Rio Linda compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Rio Linda, California | 69 mg/L | 4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| North Highlands, California | 86.5 mg/L | 4.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Foothill Farms, California | 121.5 mg/L | 5.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Arden-Arcade, California | 58 mg/L | 3.7 ppt | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Sacramento, California | 65 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Rio Linda compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Rio Linda | 69 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Rio Linda's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Rio Linda, California, in Sacramento County — an unincorporated Sacramento County community adjacent to North Sacramento and Elverta in the north Sacramento Valley — receives its water from the Rio Linda Water District, drawing from the American River (Sacramento County) and local Sacramento Valley groundwater through the north Sacramento distribution.
The moderately soft 69 mg/L hardness and TDS of 158.6 mg/L reflect the north Sacramento Valley American River supply's predominantly soft Sierra Nevada character — blended with minor Sacramento Valley alluvial groundwater (slightly calcareous). The American River (Sacramento County) drains the Sierra Nevada — Cretaceous Sierra Nevada Batholith (granodiorite — insoluble), Jurassic Smartville Block volcanic (insoluble), and Sacramento Valley alluvial terrace (slightly calcareous at the lower valley). The predominantly insoluble Sierra Nevada batholith produces the moderately soft north Sacramento supply.
At 69 mg/L, Rio Linda's water is moderately soft — light scale forms slowly in appliances, dishwashers remain efficient, and bathroom fixtures need occasional cleaning. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.0 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Sacramento County north Sacramento Valley corridor and Mather Air Force Base (Sacramento County — AFFF legacy, the primary north Sacramento Valley PFAS source) contribute to Rio Linda's readings.
Geology & Source: Rio Linda in Sacramento County draws from the Rio Linda Water District on the American River and local Sacramento Valley groundwater (Sacramento County, central California) — the American River drains the Sierra Nevada (Cretaceous Sierra Nevada Batholith — insoluble) — California Sacramento County American River Sierra Nevada insoluble supply produces moderately soft water at 69 mg/L with TDS 158.6 mg/L.