Sierra Madre Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
204.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.23
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 Sierra Madre, your appliances are currently losing 11% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Sierra Madre | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -20% |
| Washing Machine | 10.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -13% |
| Water Heater | 12.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -19% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Sierra Madre compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Sierra Madre, California | 85.5 mg/L | 4.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Arcadia, California | 156 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Temple City, California | 129 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Monrovia, California | 34 mg/L | 2.9 ppt | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| San Marino, California | 44.5 mg/L | 3.2 ppt | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Sierra Madre compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Sierra Madre | 85.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Sierra Madre's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Sierra Madre, California, in Los Angeles County — a Los Angeles County city adjacent to Arcadia and Monrovia at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains in the San Gabriel Valley — receives its water from the City of Sierra Madre Public Works or San Gabriel Valley Water, drawing from the San Gabriel watershed and local wells through the south-central California distribution.
The soft 85.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 204.2 mg/L reflect the Los Angeles County San Gabriel supply's soft character — the Cretaceous San Gabriel Granodiorite is highly insoluble, and Quaternary San Gabriel Valley alluvium contributes modest calcareous mineral content from its marine sediment and limestone clast heritage (compare Arcadia CA: 83/198 in Los Angeles County comparable; Monrovia CA: 87/210 in Los Angeles County comparable; Sierra Madre consistent soft from the same Los Angeles County San Gabriel watershed granitic supply). The San Gabriel watershed — Cretaceous San Gabriel Granodiorite (insoluble — primary dilutant), Quaternary San Gabriel Valley alluvium (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Quaternary Bay Area alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 85.5 mg/L with TDS 204, Sierra Madre's water is soft — minimal scale buildup. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.4 ppt is moderate and well-managed for the San Gabriel Valley. Review the City of Sierra Madre's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Sierra Madre in Los Angeles County draws from the Sierra Madre Water on the San Gabriel watershed (Los Angeles County, south California) — the San Gabriel drains Cretaceous San Gabriel Granodiorite (insoluble) and Quaternary San Gabriel Valley alluvium (calcareous) — California Los Angeles County San Gabriel watershed granitic supply produces soft water at 85.5 mg/L with TDS 204.2 mg/L.