Water Hardness in Madera, CA

California · 2 zip codes · 26 matched water systems

251 PPM
14.6 GPG
Very Hard
0Soft60120180300+
High Confidence - USGS Monitoring

Dataset updated March 9, 202626 matched water systems in the city rollupIndividual systems and ZIPs can differ. Methodology

City report

Is Madera, CA Water Hard or Soft?

The citywide weighted average water hardness in Madera, CA is 251 PPM (14.6 GPG), classified as very hard. Individual systems, ZIP codes, and private wells can differ.

Displayed reading
251 PPM
Very Hard
Local coverage
2 ZIPs
26 matched water systems
Source label
USGS monitoring
High Confidence - USGS Monitoring

Water hardness is not a drinking-water safety score. It measures calcium and magnesium minerals, and address-level results can shift by pressure zone, supply blend, building plumbing, or private well.

Source context

How this city reading is built

This city reading is a weighted rollup across 26 matched water systems and 2 ZIP codes. Citywide readings are useful for comparison, but individual utility zones and ZIPs can differ.

Source basis
24 USGS-backed sources
26 matched systems total for this city; USGS monitoring is used where treated-water reports are unavailable.
Water source profile
Primarily groundwater
Groundwater commonly picks up calcium and magnesium after contact with rock and soil. This profile is weighted by known population served across matched systems.
Data recency
March 9, 2026
Dataset rebuilt March 9, 2026; individual utility reporting years can vary.

Hardness is a mineral-content reading, not a drinking-water safety rating. Use it for scale, appliance, and softener decisions; check your utility report or test your tap before sizing treatment equipment. See how we calculate local readings.

Water Systems in Madera

These systems are matched to Madera, CA. Citywide readings are useful for comparison, but the system serving a specific address may differ from the city average.

26 water systems
PWSID is the public water system identifier. Data Source shows whether the hardness value comes from a treated-water report, USGS monitoring, or a local estimate; source year is shown when available.
Very Hard
261 PPMgroundwater66,560 servedHigh Confidence - USGS Monitoring
Very Hard
261 PPMgroundwater13,916 servedHigh Confidence - USGS Monitoring
Slightly Hard
84 PPMgroundwater6,494 servedHigh Confidence - USGS Monitoring
261 PPMgroundwater5,507 servedEstimated - County Avg
261 PPMgroundwater3,172 servedHigh Confidence - USGS Monitoring
Showing the first 5 systems. Expand to review all matched systems.

Zip Codes in Madera, CA

What This Means For You

Use this city reading as a local planning estimate, not a final treatment specification. Hardness can vary by utility zone, seasonal blend, private well, and building plumbing. Confirm your tap reading with a utility report or home hardness test before sizing equipment.

Know your water hardness?

If you've tested your water or have your utility's CCR report, share your reading to help us improve accuracy for Madera, CA.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the water in Madera, CA?

The citywide weighted average water hardness in Madera, CA is 251 PPM (14.6 GPG), classified as very hard. This is based on 26 matched water systems.

Do I need a water softener in Madera, CA?

With a citywide average hardness of 251 PPM, a water softener is recommended for homes in Madera. Confirm your tap reading before sizing equipment.

Is hard water in Madera, CA safe to drink?

Water hardness itself is a mineral-content reading, not a drinking-water safety rating. Calcium and magnesium are naturally occurring minerals, but you should check your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for contaminant and compliance information.

How many water systems serve Madera, CA?

Madera, California is served by 26 matched water systems across 2 zip codes.

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