California Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.4 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
150.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.25
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 California, your appliances are currently losing 12% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In California | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -22% |
| Washing Machine | 10.2 yrs | 12 yrs | -15% |
| Water Heater | 11.9 yrs | 15 yrs | -21% |
Regional Water Comparison
How California compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ California, Maryland | 92 mg/L | 4.8 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Lexington Park, Maryland | 102.5 mg/L | 5.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Chesapeake Ranch Estates, Maryland | 148 mg/L | 8 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Chesapeake Ranch Estates-Drum Point, Maryland | 95.5 mg/L | 5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Cambridge, Maryland | 98.5 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How California compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ California | 92 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes California's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
California, Maryland, in Saint Mary's County — a Saint Mary's County census-designated place adjacent to Lexington Park and Patuxent River NAS on the southern Maryland Peninsula — receives its water from the Saint Mary's County Metropolitan Commission, drawing from the Patuxent River and supplemental sources through the southern Maryland distribution.
The soft 92 mg/L hardness and low TDS of 150.1 mg/L reflect the Saint Mary's County Patuxent supply's soft Coastal Plain character — the Cretaceous Potomac Group is predominantly insoluble kaolinitic sand and clay, while Tertiary Chesapeake Group calcareous marine sediments add only minor dissolved minerals (compare Lexington Park MD: 90/146 in Saint Mary's County comparable; Charlotte Hall MD: 94/154 in Saint Mary's County comparable; California consistent soft from the same Saint Mary's County Patuxent River Cretaceous insoluble supply). The Patuxent watershed at Saint Mary's County — Cretaceous Potomac Group (insoluble — primary dilutant), Tertiary Chesapeake Group (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Holocene Patuxent alluvium (slightly calcareous — minor TDS).
At 92 mg/L with TDS 150, California's water is soft — minimal scale buildup and appliances last well. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.8 ppt is moderate — a certified drinking water filter provides added protection. Review Saint Mary's County Metropolitan Commission's annual report for the latest data, particularly regarding Patuxent River NAS legacy impacts.
Geology & Source: California in Saint Mary's County draws from the Saint Mary's County Water on the Patuxent River (Saint Mary's County, south Maryland) — the Patuxent at Saint Mary's County drains Cretaceous Potomac Group (insoluble) and Tertiary Chesapeake Group (slightly calcareous) — Maryland Saint Mary's County Patuxent River Cretaceous insoluble supply produces soft water at 92 mg/L with TDS 150.1 mg/L.