How hard is the water in Mesa?

Mesa water hardness ranges from 12-16 GPG (205-274 PPM) depending on your zone. The western "City Zone" tends to be softer (~12 GPG) while eastern and southern zones are harder (~16 GPG). Mesa officially recommends setting softeners to 16 GPG to account for blending variations.

Why does Mesa have two different water zones?

Mesa's distribution system is bifurcated between different treatment plants. The City Zone receives more surface water from the Val Vista plant (SRP source), while eastern/southern zones rely on the Brown Road plant (CAP source) and groundwater wells, which are naturally harder.

Where does Mesa get its water?

Mesa Water Resources blends water from the Salt River Project, Central Arizona Project (Colorado River), and local groundwater wells. The specific blend depends on which treatment plant serves your area and seasonal demand.

Is Mesa water safe to drink?

Yes, Mesa water is safe to drink and meets or exceeds all EPA and state safety standards. Water hardness (calcium and magnesium) poses no health risks—it's an aesthetic and practical concern.

Do I need a water softener in Mesa?

With hardness up to 16 GPG, a water softener is recommended for most Mesa homes. Mesa officially advises setting softeners to 16 GPG to ensure coverage during blending shifts, though western Mesa residents may be comfortable with lower settings.

Water Hardness in Mesa, AZ - 14 GPG (240 PPM)

What This Means For You

Mesa has a unique two-zone water system that creates different hardness experiences depending on where you live. Western Mesa enjoys softer water around 12 GPG, while eastern and southern Mesa can see levels up to 16 GPG.

Mesa Water Resources operates a bifurcated distribution system. The western "City Zone" receives more surface water from the Val Vista treatment plant (SRP source), while the eastern and southern zones rely more heavily on the Brown Road Water Treatment Plant (CAP source) and groundwater wells, resulting in harder water.

While hard water is safe to drink, it causes scale buildup in pipes and appliances, spots on dishes, dry skin and hair, and requires more soap. Mesa is Arizona's third-largest city with over 500,000 residents.

Water Hardness in Mesa, Arizona

What This Means For You

Hardness by Zone

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Source