Local resources

Pasadena Hard Water

How Hard Is Pasadena Water?

Pasadena’s tap water is very hard. Pasadena Water and Power’s most recent water quality report puts average hardness at about 222 ppm, or roughly 13 grains per gallon, with local readings ranging from 202 to 256 ppm (about 12–15 gpg). Pasadena customers receive a blend of local Raymond Basin groundwater and water imported from the Metropolitan Water District, and the imported supply is just as hard, averaging 234 ppm.

Where Can I Get A Water Quality Report?

You can Access Pasadena’s annual Water Quality Report. This is also known as a consumer confidence report, and provides detailed data on the composition of your municipal water annually.

We serve Santa Clarita, Sylmar, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Pasadena, Westwood, Santa Monica, Burbank, Glendale, Bellflower, Long Beach, Torrance, Culver City, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach and all of Los Angeles.

water in pasadena, california

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pasadena tap water safe to drink?

Yes, Pasadena’s tap water meets all state and federal safety standards, and the most recent water quality report lists no violations. However, some contaminants were detected in local groundwater, including hexavalent chromium (average 2.9 ppb, up to 5.7 ppb), nitrate (average 4.6 ppm, up to 6.4 ppm), and uranium (average 8.0 pCi/L, up to 14 pCi/L). Arsenic was not detected. While these levels are within regulatory limits, hexavalent chromium and uranium are above California’s non-enforceable public health goals.

Is Pasadena’s water hard?

Yes, Pasadena’s water is classified as very hard. Local groundwater averages 222 ppm (about 13 gpg), ranging from 202–256 ppm, and imported MWD water averages 234 ppm. Hard water can cause scale buildup on fixtures, dry skin, and reduced appliance efficiency.

Does Pasadena’s water contain PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)?

No PFAS have been detected in Pasadena’s treated drinking water. All 29 PFAS compounds tested under the EPA’s UCMR 5 monitoring program, including PFOS and PFOA, were non-detect, and Pasadena Water and Power has tested every water source for PFAS each year since 2020. However, because PFAS contamination can vary, many residents choose reverse osmosis or advanced carbon filtration systems for added protection.

Does Pasadena add fluoride to its water?

Pasadena’s tap water averaged 0.8 ppm fluoride in the most recent water quality report, within state and federal guidelines. Local groundwater contains naturally occurring fluoride (0.6–1.2 ppm), and the imported MWD water in Pasadena’s blend is fluoridated by MWD to about 0.7 ppm.

What other contaminants are in Pasadena’s water?

The most recent water quality report detected several trace contaminants, including:

Hexavalent Chromium (average 2.9 ppb, up to 5.7 ppb)
Nitrate (average 4.6 ppm, up to 6.4 ppm)
TTHMs (highest running annual average 57 ppb, individual samples up to 79.5 ppb)
HAA5 (highest running annual average 21 ppb, up to 25 ppb)
Uranium (average 8.0 pCi/L, up to 14 pCi/L)
TDS (local groundwater average 410 ppm; imported MWD water average 536 ppm, up to 617 ppm)

Where does Pasadena get its water?

Pasadena’s water supply comes from a blend of local groundwater from the Raymond Groundwater Basin and imported water from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD), which delivers water from the Colorado River and Northern California. MWD typically supplies one-half to two-thirds of Pasadena’s drinking water.

What is the pH level of Pasadena water?

Pasadena’s local groundwater averages a pH of 7.5 (range 7.3–7.8), and imported MWD water averages 8.2, which is considered neutral to slightly alkaline.

Should I use a water filter or softener in Pasadena?

Yes, due to hard water and the presence of trace contaminants, many residents benefit from whole-house water filters, reverse osmosis systems, and water softeners to enhance water quality, taste, and appliance longevity.

Does Pasadena water have a high total dissolved solids (TDS) level?

It can be. Pasadena’s local groundwater averages 410 ppm TDS (range 340–480), while imported MWD water averages 536 ppm (range 456–617), above the 500 ppm level California recommends for taste. Reverse osmosis is recommended for reducing TDS for better-tasting drinking water.