Does Glendale and Pasadena Have Hard Water?

If you live in Glendale or Pasadena, chances are you’ve noticed spots on your dishes, buildup on your shower head, or stiff laundry after a wash. These are common signs of hard water—and yes, both Glendale and Pasadena have it.

Let’s break down what that means, how it affects your home, and what you can do about it.

Hard water contains high levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium. These minerals occur naturally as water travels through soil and rock. The more mineral content the water picks up, the “harder” it gets.

Hardness is typically measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or grains per gallon (gpg). Water with more than 121 mg/L or 7 gpg is considered hard. Anything above 180 mg/L (10.5 gpg) is very hard.

Glendale’s water supply comes from a mix of imported water from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) and local groundwater. This blend creates some variability in hardness levels.

The exact water hardness level depends on how much local groundwater is used at any given time. When local well water contributes more, you’ll notice more scale and buildup. This is because groundwater passes through mineral-rich rock formations, picking up more calcium and magnesium along the way.

Pasadena’s water is consistently harder than Glendale’s.

The imported water picks up minerals from geological formations on its way from the Colorado River and Sierras. The local aquifers add even more hardness. The result is a very mineral-rich supply that causes visible and long-term effects on plumbing and appliances.

Whether you’re in Glendale or Pasadena, hard water brings similar challenges. You might not notice it immediately, but the signs are there—and they add up over time.

Hard water leaves mineral deposits, also called scale, inside pipes, on faucets, and in water heaters. Over time, this buildup reduces water flow, lowers appliance efficiency, and shortens their lifespan.

The minerals in hard water interact with soaps and detergents, making them less effective.

Soft water improves soap performance and rinses away more effectively.

Hard water can dry out your skin and leave a film on your hair.

Soft water helps reduce residue and provides a gentler experience for both skin and hair.

Some people describe hard water as tasting “chalky” or “bitter.” That’s the calcium and magnesium at work. It won’t make you sick, but it can impact how your coffee, tea, or home-cooked meals taste.

Hard water itself is not considered dangerous to drink. However, depending on the region, it can sometimes introduce trace heavy metals from plumbing systems or groundwater sources.

If you live in Glendale or Pasadena, odds are you already have hard water. But if you’re unsure, a water test is the best way to confirm.

You can:

These reports list hardness in mg/L and often mention the source breakdown of local water utilities and imported sources.

You might think a bit of white residue isn’t a big deal, but the costs can add up fast:

Solving hard water problems can reduce these expenses significantly and help prevent health issues that can arise from buildup in drinking systems or pipes.

Hard water is common in Southern California, but you don’t have to live with its downsides.

A water softener removes calcium and magnesium ions through a process called ion exchange. Soft water flows better, cleans better, and extends the life of your plumbing and appliances.

For drinking and cooking, water filters like reverse osmosis systems can remove additional minerals, heavy metals, and improve taste. These can be installed under your sink and paired with your softener for full home coverage.

Combined water filtration and softening systems are ideal for homes dealing with both taste and mineral problems in tap water. Together, these systems provide healthier water to your home.

Culligan Water of Los Angeles has served the Glendale and Pasadena area for years. Their local experts understand the specific mineral content and water sources in both cities. They tailor solutions to the unique water profiles of your neighborhood.

Culligan offers free in-home water testing. They’ll measure your water hardness and recommend a solution based on your results.

They install and maintain softeners designed for hard water conditions like Pasadena’s very high levels. Their systems use efficient regeneration cycles, so you save water and salt over time. They also help convert hard water into soft water, reducing damage and improving comfort across your home.

Culligan also offers water filters and reverse osmosis options to improve the taste and clarity drinking water, addressing both mineral content and other contaminants. You can learn more about how these systems provide healthy drinking water here.

If you’re seeing water stains on your glassware, shower doors, or sinks, that’s a clear sign of hard water at work. These mineral deposits are difficult to clean and only get worse over time. Switching to soft water can stop these water spots from forming in the first place.

Yes—both Glendale and Pasadena have hard water. Glendale’s levels range from moderate to hard, while Pasadena consistently falls into the very hard category. Whether it’s spots on your glassware, itchy skin, or mineral buildup in your water heater, the signs are there.

A water softener can help protect your home, reduce utility costs, and improve your daily experience with water. If you’re ready for better, cleaner water, start with a test. It’s the first step toward a solution that fits your home—and your water.