Susanville Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
9.7 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
8.2
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
499.8 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.44
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 Susanville, your appliances are currently losing 22% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Susanville | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.1 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -52% |
| Washing Machine | 7.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -38% |
| Water Heater | 8.9 yrs | 15 yrs | -41% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Susanville compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Susanville, California | 166.5 mg/L | 6.8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Paradise, California | 136 mg/L | 6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Truckee, California | 103 mg/L | 4.9 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Sun Valley, Nevada | 433.5 mg/L | 4.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Spanish Springs, Nevada | 361 mg/L | 4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How Susanville compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Susanville | 166.5 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Susanville's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Susanville, California, in Lassen County — the Lassen County seat adjacent to Janesville and Honey Lake on the Susan River in northeast California — receives its water from the Susanville Community Services District, drawing from the Susan River and local groundwater (Lassen County) through the northeast California water treatment system.
The hard 166.5 mg/L hardness and elevated TDS of 499.8 mg/L (elevated TDS relative to hardness — suggesting dissolved sulfate and chloride from the Honey Lake Basin evaporitic deposits) reflect the northeast California Honey Lake Basin supply's moderately hard evaporitic-volcanic character. The Susan River at Lassen County drains the Cascade-Sierra Nevada transition — Pliocene Warner Basalt (slightly calcareous at alteration zones), Pleistocene Lassen volcanic deposits (slightly calcareous), and Quaternary Honey Lake Basin alluvium (evaporitic, calcareous — dominant TDS contributor from this closed-basin evaporitic deposit).
At 166.5 mg/L, Susanville's water is hard — scale builds steadily in kettles and appliances, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and water heaters should be descaled annually. Monthly descaling is recommended. The PFAS level of 6.8 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — Sierra Army Depot (Lassen County — AFFF, directly at the Honey Lake Basin, the primary Lassen County PFAS source), and the northeast California military-industrial corridor contribute to Susanville's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Susanville in Lassen County draws from the Susanville Community Services District on the Susan River and local groundwater (Lassen County, northeast California) — the Susan River drains the Cascade-Sierra Nevada transition (Pliocene Warner Basalt, Pleistocene Lassen volcanic — slightly calcareous) — California Lassen County Susan River volcanic-calcareous watershed produces hard water at 166.5 mg/L with TDS 499.8 mg/L.