Hardness
Very Hard
422 PPM · 24.7 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 Sierra County.
At a glance
EPA quarter 2026Q2
Hardness
Very Hard
422 PPM · 24.7 GPG
Compliance screen
Review needed
3 active health-based records
Lead 90th percentile
0 mg/L
0% of action level
Utility match
2 systems
Serves 6,783 people system-wide
Hardness meter
Estimated local hardness
USGS hardness classification scale
422 PPM
Parts per million
422
mg/L as CaCO₃ equivalent
Grains per gallon
24.7
1 GPG ≈ 17.1 PPM
What this means at home
At 422 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
51
Nearest site
27.8 mi
Observation range
Apr 4, 2016–Feb 9, 2021
Estimate confidence
Low
Median of the latest qualifying hardness observation at each nearby monitoring site. Nearest monitoring location: 17S.04W.06.324 (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.
Truth Or Consequences median
555 PPM
133 PPM lower2 indexed ZIP readings · Range 422–688.5 PPM
New Mexico median
228 PPM
194 PPM higher194 indexed ZIP readings · Range 74.2–688.5 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 Jun 30, 2025
Copper (CU90)
Not available
No numerical 90th-percentile result
Numerical coverage
2 comparable results
Missing values remain blank; absence is not treated as a pass.
Measured in mg/L
Local 0
EPA limit 0.015
Measured in MG/L
Local 6.5
EPA limit 4
100% line = listed limit
| Contaminant or rule | System | Status | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groundwater Rule | NM3520027 | Resolved | Jan 11, 2026through Feb 20, 2026 |
| FluorideHealth-basedReported 6.5 MG/L · MCL 4 | NM3520027 | Archived | Jan 1, 2026through Mar 31, 2026 |
| Public Notice | NM3520027 | Resolved | Dec 15, 2025through Feb 11, 2026 |
| Public Notice | NM3514327 | Resolved | Nov 30, 2025through Dec 28, 2025 |
| FluorideHealth-basedReported 6.4 MG/L · MCL 4 | NM3520027 | Archived | Oct 1, 2025through Dec 31, 2025 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | NM3514327 | Resolved | Sep 29, 2025through Dec 22, 2025 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | NM3514327 | Resolved | Sep 29, 2025through Dec 22, 2025 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | NM3514327 | Resolved | Sep 29, 2025through Jan 20, 2026 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | NM3514327 | Resolved | Sep 29, 2025through Dec 22, 2025 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | NM3514327 | Resolved | Sep 29, 2025through Dec 22, 2025 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | NM3514327 | Unaddressed | Sep 29, 2025 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | NM3514327 | Unaddressed | Sep 29, 2025 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | NM3514327 | Resolved | Sep 29, 2025through Jan 20, 2026 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | NM3514327 | Resolved | Sep 29, 2025through Dec 22, 2025 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | NM3514327 | Resolved | Sep 29, 2025through Jan 16, 2026 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | NM3514327 | Resolved | Sep 29, 2025through Dec 22, 2025 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | NM3514327 | Unaddressed | Sep 29, 2025 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | NM3514327 | Resolved | Sep 29, 2025through Dec 22, 2025 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | NM3514327 | Resolved | Sep 29, 2025through Jan 20, 2026 |
| Groundwater RuleHealth-based | NM3514327 | Resolved | Sep 29, 2025through Dec 22, 2025 |
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 Truth Or Consequences ZIP 87935 using 422 PPM nearby hardness and 2 reported measurement benchmarks.
Scale protection
422 PPM is 4× 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
Fluoride, Groundwater Rule have 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.
Nearby indexed reports
Estimates can differ across a city because monitoring locations and associated systems differ.
Frequently asked
EPA ECHO reports 3 active health-based violations among the associated community water systems. Review the affected utility's current notice and Consumer Confidence Report.
Nearby USGS observations produce an estimate of 422 PPM, or 24.7 grains per gallon, classified as very hard. This is not a household tap measurement.
At 422 PPM, a correctly sized whole-house softener can reduce scale and hard-water spotting. It does not replace contaminant filtration.