Water Quality in San Angelo, TX

San Angelo's water has very hard water (298 PPM). A water softener is recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. Read below for a full breakdown.

City of San Angelo Water · Source: O.C. Fisher Lake, Twin Buttes Reservoir · Serves 101,612 residents

298
Hardness (PPM)
443
TDS (PPM)
1.5
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
1
Lead (ppb)
298 PPM 0 400 Extremely Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 298 PPM TDS 443 PPM PFAS 4 ppt Lead 1 ppb Chlorine 1.5 mg/L Nitrate 3 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where San Angelo Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Extremely hard water

San Angelo's West Texas reservoir water is very hard from Permian geology. Drought years can increase TDS significantly.

What San Angelo's Water Means for Your Home

San Angelo residents deal with some of the hardest municipal water in the country. At 298 PPM (17.4 grains per gallon), the water contains high concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium picked up from the regional geology as surface water is treated and distributed. This is not a safety issue. The minerals are safe to consume. But they create real, measurable costs for homeowners. Hard water at 298 PPM costs the average household $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden expenses, including higher energy bills from scale-insulated water heaters, increased soap and detergent usage, and premature appliance failure. Many San Angelo homeowners discover this only after a water heater replacement or plumber visit.

Beyond hardness, San Angelo's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1.5 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)298 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit⚠ Very Hard
Total Dissolved Solids443 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM⚠ Elevated
PFAS (total)4 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead1 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1.5 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate3 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for San Angelo Homes

🧂 Water Softener
At 298 PPM (17.4 GPG), San Angelo's water is extremely hard. Scale will accumulate in pipes, water heaters, and on fixtures. A salt-based ion exchange softener removes the calcium and magnesium causing the problem. For a typical San Angelo household of 2 to 4 people, a 48,000-grain softener is the right starting size.
Learn more about this solution →

About San Angelo's Water Supply

Water Utility: City of San Angelo Water

Water Source: O.C. Fisher Lake, Twin Buttes Reservoir

Population Served: 101,612

Hardness: 298 PPM (17.4 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by City of San Angelo Water. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare San Angelo to Other Texas Cities

Houston

120 PPM · Hard

San Antonio

240 PPM · Very Hard

Dallas

100 PPM · Moderately Hard

Fort Worth

110 PPM · Moderately Hard

El Paso

265 PPM · Extremely Hard

Arlington

124 PPM · Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About San Angelo Water

Is San Angelo tap water safe to drink?
San Angelo's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in San Angelo?
Yes. At 298 PPM (17.4 GPG), San Angelo's water is extremely hard. Without a softener, expect visible scale buildup on faucets and shower heads, reduced water heater efficiency (15 to 25 percent higher energy costs), spotted dishes and glassware, and soap that does not lather well. A salt-based water softener is the standard solution. For a typical San Angelo home with 2 to 4 residents, a 48,000-grain system is the most common starting size.
What water filter is best for San Angelo?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For chlorine taste and odor, an activated carbon filter is effective and affordable, available as under-sink, countertop, or whole-house systems. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does San Angelo's water come from?
San Angelo's drinking water is sourced from O.C. Fisher Lake, Twin Buttes Reservoir and treated by City of San Angelo Water. San Angelo's West Texas reservoir water is very hard from Permian geology. Drought years can increase TDS significantly.
What is the hardness of San Angelo water in grains per gallon?
San Angelo's water hardness is 17.4 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 298 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as extremely hard. Most water softener manufacturers recommend treatment above 7 GPG. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does San Angelo water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At 17.4 GPG, San Angelo's water exceeds this threshold. Scale buildup inside the heat exchanger reduces efficiency and can void the manufacturer's warranty. A water softener installed upstream of the tankless heater is the standard solution.
Is San Angelo water safe for babies and infants?
San Angelo's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.
How much does hard water cost a San Angelo household per year?
At 298 PPM, hard water costs the average San Angelo household an estimated $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden costs. This includes 15 to 25 percent higher water heating bills from scale insulation, 50 to 75 percent more soap and detergent usage, shorter appliance lifespans (water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines), and increased plumbing maintenance. A water softener typically costs $600 to $1,500 installed and $50 to $100 per year in salt, which means most San Angelo households see a return on investment within 1 to 2 years.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the City of San Angelo Water Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.