Redmond Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The City of Redmond Public Works Water Division supplies drinking water to approximately 35,000 residents in Deschutes County, central Oregon. The utility operates multiple groundwater wells drawing exclusively from the local aquifer in the Deschutes Basin, with no surface water intakes or treatment plants. Water undergoes disinfection and basic treatment before distribution through the municipal system serving the city and surrounding areas.

The supply originates from the Upper Deschutes River Basin watershed, underlain by extensive volcanic rock formations of the Cascade Range, including thick basalt flows and associated aquifers from the Miocene era. These fractured volcanic terrains — part of the High Lava Plains province, interbedded with volcanic ash and sedimentary deposits — shape the water's moderately mineralized character through mineral dissolution during subsurface flow. The geology promotes interaction with calcium and magnesium-bearing rocks, yielding a supply with moderate mineral content compared to softer rainwater-dominated coastal areas.

Moderately hard water (90 mg/L) leads to moderate scale buildup in water heaters, dishwashers, and coffee makers, reducing efficiency over time. Laundry may require more detergent, and spotting can occur on glassware. Regular maintenance such as deliming fixtures every 1–2 years and using rinse aids helps mitigate effects; a water softener is recommended for households noticing soap inefficiency or scale issues. City of Redmond quality reports confirm EPA compliance for pH (typically 7–8), lead, and copper; no notable PFAS detections are reported in recent Consumer Confidence Reports, and treatment includes chlorination for disinfection.