Water Quality in West Jordan, UT

West Jordan's water has very hard water (187 PPM). A water softener is recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. Read below for a full breakdown.

Jordan Valley Water Conservancy · Source: Jordan River, groundwater · Serves 116,961 residents

187
Hardness (PPM)
420
TDS (PPM)
0.9
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
3
Lead (ppb)
187 PPM 0 400 Very Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 187 PPM TDS 420 PPM PFAS 4 ppt Lead 3 ppb Chlorine 0.9 mg/L Nitrate 4 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where West Jordan Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Very hard water

West Jordan's water from the Jordan Valley system is very hard from ancient Lake Bonneville sediment deposits.

What West Jordan's Water Means for Your Home

West Jordan residents deal with some of the hardest municipal water in the country. At 187 PPM (10.9 grains per gallon), the water contains high concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium picked up from underground limestone and mineral formations. This is not a safety issue. The minerals are safe to consume. But they create real, measurable costs for homeowners. Hard water at 187 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 West Jordan homeowners discover this only after a water heater replacement or plumber visit.

Beyond hardness, West Jordan's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 0.9 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)187 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit⚠ Very Hard
Total Dissolved Solids420 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM⚠ Elevated
PFAS (total)4 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead3 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine0.9 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate4 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for West Jordan Homes

🧂 Water Softener
At 187 PPM (10.9 GPG), West Jordan's water is very 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 West Jordan household of 2 to 4 people, a 48,000-grain softener is the right starting size.
Learn more about this solution →

About West Jordan's Water Supply

Water Utility: Jordan Valley Water Conservancy

Water Source: Jordan River, groundwater

Population Served: 116,961

Hardness: 187 PPM (10.9 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Jordan Valley Water Conservancy. 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 West Jordan to Other Utah Cities

Salt Lake City

250 PPM · Very Hard

Provo

235 PPM · Very Hard

Ogden

240 PPM · Very Hard

West Valley City

251 PPM · Extremely Hard

Sandy

222 PPM · Very Hard

Orem

209 PPM · Very Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About West Jordan Water

Is West Jordan tap water safe to drink?
West Jordan'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 West Jordan?
Yes. At 187 PPM (10.9 GPG), West Jordan's water is very 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 West Jordan home with 2 to 4 residents, a 48,000-grain system is the most common starting size.
What water filter is best for West Jordan?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does West Jordan's water come from?
West Jordan's drinking water is sourced from Jordan River, groundwater and treated by Jordan Valley Water Conservancy. West Jordan's water from the Jordan Valley system is very hard from ancient Lake Bonneville sediment deposits..
What is the hardness of West Jordan water in grains per gallon?
West Jordan's water hardness is 10.9 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 187 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as very hard. Most water softener manufacturers recommend treatment above 7 GPG. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does West Jordan water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At 10.9 GPG, West Jordan'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 West Jordan water safe for babies and infants?
West Jordan'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 West Jordan household per year?
At 187 PPM, hard water costs the average West Jordan 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 West Jordan 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 Jordan Valley Water Conservancy Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.