Water Hardness in Bend, Oregon

What 28 PPM Means for Your Home in Bend

At 28 ppm, Bend's water is classified as soft. This is excellent news for homeowners. Soft water lathers easily with soap and shampoo, leaves no mineral spots on dishes or glassware, and causes no scale buildup in your plumbing or water heater. Your appliances will operate at peak efficiency and enjoy their full expected lifespan. Laundry washed in soft water comes out cleaner and softer, and you will use significantly less soap, shampoo, and detergent than households with hard water. There is no need to invest in any water softening or conditioning equipment.

Water Source and Treatment at City of Bend

Bend's water is supplied by City of Bend and sourced primarily from underground aquifers accessed through deep wells. Groundwater has been naturally filtered through rock and soil, which makes it generally free of biological contaminants but higher in dissolved minerals. The 28 ppm hardness in Bend results from water percolating through limestone, chalk, or dolomite formations underground, dissolving calcium and magnesium along the way. The water has a pH of 7, which is near neutral, and total dissolved solids of 42 ppm (low).

Estimated Cost of Hard Water in Bend

With soft water at 28 ppm, Bend residents enjoy minimal costs associated with water hardness. There is no need for a water softener, and your appliances, plumbing, and fixtures will operate efficiently without mineral-related issues. You can use the manufacturer-recommended amounts of soap, shampoo, and detergent without needing extra.