Water hardness in Pico Rivera
9.4 gpg hard
Tap water in Pico Rivera is hard: 9.4 gpg (161 mg/L · 9 °dH · 16.1 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1910042 (2026-04) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 114–201 mg/L.
The Pico Rivera figure comes from State Water Resources Control Board lab results for the city's own water department, which serves only part of Pico Rivera. The median of 15 results from 2022 to 2026, taken at 8 well points, is 161 mg/L as CaCO3 (9.4 gpg), with a range of 114.4 to 201.2 mg/L. Other suppliers cover the rest. The water is hard.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 9.4 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Pico Rivera - City, Water Dept. |
How Pico Rivera compares
- Tap water in Pico Rivera is close to the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 657 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 52 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 170 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: San Gabriel, 12 km away (5.8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Downey, 7 km away (15.5 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Pico Rivera
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H2 |
From each brand's manual for the model family named in the source; your model may differ, so check its manual. All brands and how to change the setting →
FAQ
Is Pico Rivera water hard or soft?
It is hard: 161 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.4 gpg, 9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Pico Rivera safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
How many grains per gallon is Pico Rivera water?
9.4 gpg, equal to 9 °dH, 16.1 °fH or 161 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Pico Rivera?
For 161 mg/L (9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Pico Rivera?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1910042 (2026-04). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1910042 · Outdated figure? Tell us