Ukiah Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.8 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
436 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.40
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 Ukiah, your appliances are currently losing 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Ukiah | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -46% |
| Washing Machine | 8.1 yrs | 12 yrs | -33% |
| Water Heater | 9.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -36% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Ukiah compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Ukiah, California | 150 mg/L | 6.4 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Clearlake, California | 184 mg/L | 7.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Windsor, California | 174 mg/L | 7.1 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Santa Rosa, California | 95.5 mg/L | 4.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Rohnert Park, California | 123.5 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Ukiah compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Ukiah | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Ukiah's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Ukiah, California, in Mendocino County — the Mendocino County seat adjacent to Redwood Valley and Ukiah Valley on the Russian River in northwest California — receives its municipal water from the Ukiah Water Division, drawing from Lake Mendocino (Coyote Dam on the East Fork Russian River, Mendocino County) through the Ukiah treatment plant.
The moderately hard 150 mg/L hardness and elevated TDS of 436 mg/L (TDS/hardness ratio ~2.9 — reflecting additional mineral loading) are harder than expected for a Coast Range watershed supply, reflecting the Inner Coast Range geology's moderate carbonate character. Lake Mendocino (Russian River) drains the Inner Coast Range — Franciscan Complex mélange (serpentinite and mafic rocks — somewhat soluble, contributing to elevated TDS), Cretaceous Great Valley Group (calcareous mudstone — moderately hard), and Quaternary alluvial deposits (calcareous). The Franciscan serpentinite and mafic rock weathering contributes elevated mineral TDS.
At 150 mg/L, Ukiah's water is moderately hard — scale builds in kettles and appliances over months, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and faucet aerators need periodic cleaning. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 6.4 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Mendocino County northwest California agricultural and timber corridor and the Russian River PFAS background contribute to Ukiah's readings.
Geology & Source: Ukiah in Mendocino County draws from the Ukiah Water Division on Lake Mendocino (Mendocino County, northwest California) — Lake Mendocino impounds the Russian River draining the Inner Coast Range (Franciscan Complex mélange, Cretaceous Great Valley Group — moderately soluble) — California Mendocino County Russian River Inner Coast Range watershed produces moderately hard water at 150 mg/L with TDS 436 mg/L in this Mendocino County California city.