Timberwood Park Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The water for Timberwood Park residents comes from the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), a utility that serves nearly two million people across its service area. SAWS draws from a combination of sources, including the Edwards Aquifer and the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer. Surface water from Canyon Lake reservoir on the Guadalupe River also contributes to the supply. Water is treated at facilities like the Dos Rios Water Treatment Plant, which has a capacity of 223 million gallons per day, blending these different sources to meet the community's needs.

The geology beneath Timberwood Park is a significant factor in the water's character. The Edwards Aquifer, a karst system, and the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer are primarily composed of limestone, a rock type known for dissolving and releasing minerals like calcium and magnesium. This natural process, occurring as water percolates through these Cretaceous-period formations in the Edwards Plateau and Balcones Escarpment regions, results in a naturally hard water supply. The Guadalupe Basin also contributes some water, but the underlying geology consistently imparts a mineral-rich profile.

This very hard water can lead to noticeable issues, such as significant limescale buildup in pipes, water heaters, and fixtures. This scale can reduce the efficiency of appliances like water heaters and dishwashers by up to 50%. Homeowners often experience soap scum, dry skin, dull hair, and spots on glassware. To combat these problems, annual appliance deliming and the installation of a whole-house water softener are frequently recommended to extend the life of plumbing and improve daily use. SAWS water typically has a pH between 7.0 and 8.5, and while there are no MCL violations, recent reports indicated four contaminants above EPA health guidelines, prompting advice to check annual Consumer Confidence Reports and consider certified filters.