Hardness
Hard
158 PPM · 9.2 GPG
Local water dashboard
Official source aggregationA source-transparent look at local hardness, associated public water systems, EPA compliance history, and the measurements that are—and are not—available for Merced County.
At a glance
EPA quarter 2026Q2
Hardness
Hard
158 PPM · 9.2 GPG
Compliance screen
Review needed
1 active health-based record
Lead 90th percentile
0 mg/L
0% of action level
Utility match
1 system
Serves 9,745 people system-wide
Hardness meter
Estimated local hardness
USGS hardness classification scale
158 PPM
Parts per million
158
mg/L as CaCO₃ equivalent
Grains per gallon
9.2
1 GPG ≈ 17.1 PPM
What this means at home
At 158 PPM, mineral scale can build up on fixtures and heating elements, reduce soap lather, and leave visible spotting. Hardness is primarily an aesthetic and appliance concern—not itself a tap-water safety rating.
USGS sites used
353
Nearest site
3.6 mi
Observation range
Feb 8, 2016–Aug 13, 2025
Estimate confidence
Moderate
Median of the latest qualifying hardness observation at each nearby monitoring site. Nearest monitoring location: 006S012E21C001M (Well).USGS source documentation ↗
Regional context
These comparisons use other indexed ZIP estimates, not utility tap samples. They help show local context without replacing a household test.
Winton median
158 PPM
About the same1 indexed ZIP readings · Range 158–158 PPM
California median
189 PPM
31 PPM lower678 indexed ZIP readings · Range 3.3–728.5 PPM
EPA benchmark screen
Available numerical results from associated SDWIS community water systems, compared with the applicable action level or federal MCL. Federal measured-value coverage is incomplete.
Lead (PB90)
0 mg/L
Reported Dec 31, 2025
Copper (CU90)
Not available
No numerical 90th-percentile result
Numerical coverage
1 comparable result
Missing values remain blank; absence is not treated as a pass.
Measured in mg/L
Local 0
EPA limit 0.015
100% line = listed limit
| Contaminant or rule | System | Status | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONSHealth-based | CA2410010 | Unaddressed | Oct 17, 2024 |
| LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS | CA2410010 | Unaddressed | Oct 17, 2024 |
No reported violation does not prove that every contaminant was tested or absent; SDWIS measured values are incomplete and lag state records.
Solutions matcher
Matched to Winton ZIP 95388 using 158 PPM nearby hardness and 1 reported measurement benchmarks.
Scale protection
158 PPM is 1× the high-hardness trigger used by this matcher.
Designed to reduce scale on fixtures, water heaters, glassware, and plumbing throughout the home.
Compare whole-house systemsDrinking water protection
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS has a measured benchmark flag or active health-based SDWIS record in this profile.
A certified multi-stage RO system targets a broader range of dissolved contaminants at the kitchen tap.
Explore under-sink filtrationAffiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, at no added cost to you. Product matching is educational and does not replace certified water testing.
Frequently asked
EPA ECHO reports 1 active health-based violation among the associated community water systems. Review the affected utility's current notice and Consumer Confidence Report.
Nearby USGS observations produce an estimate of 158 PPM, or 9.2 grains per gallon, classified as hard. This is not a household tap measurement.
At 158 PPM, a correctly sized whole-house softener can reduce scale and hard-water spotting. It does not replace contaminant filtration.