South Yuba City Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
3.4 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
7.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
130.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.16
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 South Yuba City, your appliances are currently losing 8% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In South Yuba City | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -9% |
| Washing Machine | 11.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -5% |
| Water Heater | 13.3 yrs | 15 yrs | -11% |
Regional Water Comparison
How South Yuba City compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ South Yuba City, California | 58.5 mg/L | 3.7 ppt | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Yuba City, California | 75.5 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Linda, California | 36 mg/L | 3 ppt | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Olivehurst, California | 190 mg/L | 7.5 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Oroville, California | 57 mg/L | 3.6 ppt | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
National Benchmark
How South Yuba City compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ South Yuba City | 58.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes South Yuba City's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
South Yuba City, California, in Sutter County — an unincorporated Sutter County community adjacent to Yuba City and Live Oak in the north Sacramento Valley — receives its water from the Yuba City water system or local utilities, drawing from the Feather River (Sutter County) and local Sacramento Valley groundwater through the north Sacramento Valley distribution.
The soft 58.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 130.2 mg/L reflect the north Sacramento Valley Feather River supply's predominantly soft Sierra Nevada character — blended with minor Sacramento Valley alluvial well water (slightly calcareous). The Feather River (Sutter County) drains the Sierra Nevada — Cretaceous Sierra Nevada Batholith (granodiorite — insoluble), Jurassic Smartville Block volcanic (insoluble), and Sacramento Valley alluvial deposits (slightly calcareous — secondary contributor at the lower valley wells). The predominantly insoluble Sierra Nevada batholith and high discharge dilution produce the soft north Sacramento Valley supply.
At 58.5 mg/L, South Yuba City's water is soft — light scale forms very slowly in appliances, dishwashers are highly efficient, and bathroom fixtures need minimal cleaning. Annual descaling is sufficient. The PFAS level of 3.7 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Sutter County north Sacramento Valley agricultural corridor and the Beale Air Force Base (Yuba County — AFFF, the primary north Sacramento Valley PFAS source) contribute to South Yuba City's readings.
Geology & Source: South Yuba City in Sutter County draws from the Yuba City-Sutter County water system on the Feather River (Sutter County, north Sacramento Valley) — the Feather drains the Sierra Nevada (Cretaceous Sierra Nevada Batholith granodiorite — insoluble) blended with Sacramento Valley alluvial well water — California Sutter County Feather River Sierra Nevada insoluble-alluvial supply produces soft water at 58.5 mg/L with TDS 130.2 mg/L.