Hardness
Very hard15–20gpg · utility’s typical range
Approximately 257–342 mg/L as CaCO₃. Above the USGS very-hard threshold of 180 mg/L. This is utility guidance, not a tap measurement.
Current SAWS FAQ; sampling year not specified
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- 2Your home
- 3Your system
Your local water, explained
San Antonio Water Quality Report & Hardness Guide
Filtration for taste and odor. Softening for mineral scale.
SAWS describes its typical water as 15–20 grains per gallon—very hard. For a matching home without a working softener, we suggest whole-home filtration plus softening to address mineral scale.
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Your water
Match the name on your water bill.
The report follows your water provider—not your ZIP code or county boundary.
Only the listed water system is summarized here. Choose “Other / not sure” if your bill shows a different supplier.
Confirm the provider on your bill, or choose “Other / not sure” to continue without a matched report.
Utility data is a starting point. It is not a test of your tap or a live advisory. Sources checked October 22, 2026
Showing utility report
San Antonio Water System — Main System
2026 report using 2025 data; 2024 lead samples
SAWS Main System only. The report also lists purchased-water systems; those tables are not treated as direct measurements at every San Antonio tap.
Your water at a glance
See the amount, the comparison and what it means. “Below” refers to the stated benchmark, not zero risk.
Free chlorine
Average below 4 ppm MRDL1.46ppm
Average; range 0.16–3.7
2025
View source ↗TTHMs
Above 80 ppb comparison; clarification needed86.2ppb
Reported highest level; report marks no violation
The number and the report’s compliance statement conflict.
2025
View source ↗HAA5
Below 60 ppb MCL30.6ppb
Reported highest level
2025
View source ↗Fluoride
Below 4 ppm MCL0.69ppm
Maximum; range <0.5–0.69
2025
View source ↗Lead
Below 15 ppb action level1.6ppb
90th percentile; 0 sites over action level
A utility percentile does not rule out lead at your tap.
2024
View source ↗PFAS
Cannot assess high or lowNot quantified here
No compound-specific result used in this summary
Ask SAWS for the current PFAS monitoring results.
2026 report
View source ↗Nitrate as nitrogen
Below 10 ppm MCL2.45ppm
Maximum
2025
View source ↗View Full Water ReportOpen the measured results, dates, comparisons and original utility report.
The numbers behind your report
Selected useful results—not a replacement for the utility’s complete report. Older measurements retain their original year.
Open the complete utility report ↗
| What was measured | Reported amount | Sample year / source date | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 15–20 gpg · utility’s typical range | Current SAWS FAQ; sampling year not specified | Very hardApproximately 257–342 mg/L as CaCO₃. Above the USGS very-hard threshold of 180 mg/L. This is utility guidance, not a tap measurement. |
| Free chlorine | 1.46 ppmAverage; range 0.16–3.7 | 2025 | Average below 4 ppm MRDL |
| TTHMs | 86.2 ppbReported highest level; report marks no violation | 2025 | Above 80 ppb comparison; clarification neededThe number and the report’s compliance statement conflict. |
| HAA5 | 30.6 ppbReported highest level | 2025 | Below 60 ppb MCL |
| Fluoride | 0.69 ppmMaximum; range <0.5–0.69 | 2025 | Below 4 ppm MCL |
| Lead | 1.6 ppb90th percentile; 0 sites over action level | 2024 | Below 15 ppb action levelA utility percentile does not rule out lead at your tap. |
| PFAS | Not quantified here No compound-specific result used in this summary | 2026 report | Cannot assess high or lowAsk SAWS for the current PFAS monitoring results. |
| Nitrate as nitrogen | 2.45 ppmMaximum | 2025 | Below 10 ppm MCL |
| Barium | 0.125 ppmMaximum | 2025 | Below 2 ppm MCL |
| Copper | 0.187 ppm90th percentile | 2024 | Below 1.3 ppm action level |
| Selenium | 3.1 ppbMaximum | 2025 | Below 50 ppb MCL |
| Combined radium 226/228 | 1.5 pCi/LMaximum | 2025 | Below 5 pCi/L MCL |
| Uranium | 1.7 µg/LMaximum | 2024 | Below 30 µg/L MCL |
ppm ≈ mg/L; ppb ≈ µg/L; ppt ≈ ng/L in drinking water. Hardness in gpg = mg/L as CaCO₃ ÷ 17.1. ND means not detected at the method’s reporting limit—not zero.
MCL is a maximum contaminant level. MRDL is a disinfectant limit. Lead/copper action levels use system sampling percentiles and are not a safe-tap threshold. TTHM/HAA5 compliance uses locational annual averages.
PFOA/PFOS comparisons use EPA’s 4 ppt values. Historical detections are not a present compliance finding; EPA assesses compliance using running annual averages. Rule implementation is being reviewed. EPA PFAS benchmarks and implementation ↗
Turn your report into a plan for your home.
Choose the system size, keep useful existing equipment, and review your filtration goals.
Source water. SAWS draws from several aquifers and some surface-water sources. Its typical hardness guidance is especially useful when choosing scale treatment.
Your provider needs its own report.
Continue with your home details for general filtration guidance. We will not use another utility’s numbers as your result.
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A city report cannot establish a well’s water quality. Well-water treatment depends on your test results and site conditions.
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More about your local water
What this means for your home
The SAWS document is called the 2026 Water Quality Report, but its main results use 2025 monitoring. We retain the sample year for older lead and radiological rows and flag an apparent TTHM reporting conflict rather than hiding it.
A useful local question
Why recommend a softener for a SAWS home?
SAWS’ published typical hardness range is above the USGS very-hard threshold. A softener reduces the hardness minerals responsible for scale. A plumber should still test your water and size the system for your home.
Sources and methodology
We keep each utility’s results separate, show the reported sample year, and distinguish averages, maxima and tap-sampling percentiles. Hardness classifications use USGS ranges. Missing data stays unknown.
- San Antonio Water System — Main System ↗2026 report using 2025 data; 2024 lead samples
- San Antonio Water System — Main System · Hardness source ↗
- USGS hardness classification
- EPA PFAS benchmarks and implementation
Sources checked October 22, 2026
Your water → your home → your system
Turn your report into a plan for your home.
Choose the system size, keep useful existing equipment, and review your filtration goals.
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