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Water Hardness in 81428

Paonia, Colorado · Delta County

42 PPM
2.5 GPG
Soft
0Soft60120180300+
High Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Dataset updated March 9, 2026Matched to 10 water systemsTap readings can vary by utility zone, treatment, and plumbing. Methodology

Source context

How this ZIP reading is built

This ZIP reading is built from 10 matched water systems. When more than one system is matched, the displayed value is weighted toward larger known service populations when that data is available.

Source basis
10 USGS-backed sources
10 matched systems total for this ZIP; USGS monitoring is used where treated-water reports are unavailable.
Water source profile
Primarily surface water
Surface-water hardness can shift with reservoirs, runoff, season, and treatment. 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 Serving 81428

These are the systems matched to this ZIP code. The displayed ZIP value is weighted toward larger known service populations when population data is available.

10 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.
Paonia Town Of
CO0115601
Soft
42 PPMsurface water2,499 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Bone Mesa Domestic Wd
CO0115152
Soft
42 PPMsurface water400 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Pitkin Mesa Pipeline Co
CO0115610
Soft
42 PPMsurface water295 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Stewart Mesa Wc
CO0115724
Soft
42 PPMsurface water250 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Hidden Valley Hoa Water Company
CO0115342
Soft
42 PPMsurface water120 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Showing the first 5 systems. Expand to review all matched systems.

Nearby Zip Codes

8143442814197481624381814139981410100081415424816463828141881623289

What This Means For You

Recommendations are based on the displayed ZIP hardness reading. Confirm your tap reading before sizing or buying treatment equipment.

Your Water Is Soft

Your water hardness is in the soft range. You likely don't need a water softener. Enjoy your naturally soft water!

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 Paonia, CO (81428).

Submit Your Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water hard in Paonia, CO (81428)?

The average water hardness in 81428 is 42 PPM (2.5 GPG), which is classified as soft.

Do I need a water softener in 81428?

At 42 PPM, your water is relatively soft. A water softener is generally not necessary.

Is hard water in 81428 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 81428?

Zip code 81428 in Paonia, Colorado is served by 10 water systems.

Learn More About Your Water

Water Hardness Scale: PPM and GPG Chart

Use the USGS water hardness scale to compare PPM, GPG, and mg/L levels from soft to very hard water.

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How to Test Water Hardness at Home

Compare free lookups, soap tests, test strips, liquid drop kits, and lab tests for measuring water hardness.

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