Water Hardness in New Mexico Cities

Water hardness is a measure of the concentration of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, and these levels can vary widely across different regions of the United States due to varying geological and environmental conditions.

In New Mexico, water hardness levels can also range from moderately hard to very hard, with such variations largely influenced by the state’s diverse geological landscape and the sources of its water supply. New Mexico is characterized by arid to semi-arid environments, and a significant portion of its water comes from groundwater sources, which often have higher mineral contents leading to harder water. Surface water, coming from rivers like the Rio Grande, can also contribute to the overall water supply and may have differing hardness levels based on the surrounding geological formations it traverses.

In New Mexico, the degree of water hardness may vary substantially from one locality to another, and these levels can change over time due to factors such as changes in water treatment processes or shifts in water procurement strategies. These water hardness variations can impact the taste of the water as well as the efficiency of soaps and detergents in cleaning processes. Hard water can also pose challenges for households and industries by causing scale buildup in plumbing and reducing the lifespan of appliances that utilize water.

The water hardness levels in New Mexico also display variability across different cities, with measurements provided in parts per million (ppm) and grains per gallon (gpg). While some cities do not have available data, others show a range of hardness levels. Clovis has a hardness level at 265.33ppm or 15.50gpg, which can be considered relatively hard. In contrast, Carlsbad’s water is even harder, with a measurement of 343.00ppm or 20.03gpg, indicating a higher concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium.

Alamogordo stands out with a very high hardness level at 668.00ppm or 39.02gpg, one of the highest in the state. Similarly, Edgewood’s water shows substantial hardness at 676.16ppm or 39.50gpg. These levels suggest that residents might face issues related to scale buildup in plumbing and the increased need for water softening measures.

On the lower end of the scale, Silver City’s water is softer, recorded at a more moderate 162.0ppm or 9.45gpg. Cities such as Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, and many others did not have available data on their water hardness at the time of reporting.

Hard water can cause issues such as mineral buildup in plumbing and appliances, reduce the efficacy of soaps and detergents, and affect the taste of the water. A tried and true solution is the use of a water softener. A water softener, like the ones from DROP, could be a worthwhile investment.

These devices work by replacing the calcium and magnesium ions that cause hardness with sodium ions, resulting in softer water. With innovative features, easy installation, and efficient operation, DROP smart water softeners provide a solution to hard water issues, extending the lifespan of appliances, improving water taste, enhancing soap effectiveness, reducing scale build-up, and increasing the overall water efficiency in your home.