Water Quality in West Valley City, UT

West Valley City's water has very hard water (251 PPM) and PFAS above EPA limits (6 ppt). A water softener is recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. An activated carbon filter can reduce PFAS levels. Read below for a full breakdown.

West Valley City · Source: Jordan Valley Water Conservancy, wells · Serves 140,230 residents

251
Hardness (PPM)
420
TDS (PPM)
0.9
Chlorine (mg/L)
6
PFAS (ppt)
3
Lead (ppb)
251 PPM 0 400 Extremely Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 251 PPM TDS 420 PPM PFAS 6 ppt Lead 3 ppb Chlorine 0.9 mg/L Nitrate 4 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where West Valley City Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Extremely hard waterPFAS above EPA limit

West Valley City's Wasatch Front water is very hard from limestone and evaporite geology in the Great Basin.

What West Valley City's Water Means for Your Home

West Valley City residents deal with some of the hardest municipal water in the country. At 251 PPM (14.7 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 251 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 Valley City homeowners discover this only after a water heater replacement or plumber visit.

PFAS contamination is a significant concern in West Valley City. At 6 parts per trillion, levels exceed the EPA's 2024 maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that do not break down in the environment or the human body, which is why they are called "forever chemicals." Long-term exposure has been associated with increased cancer risk, thyroid disruption, and immune system effects. A whole-house activated carbon filter or point-of-use reverse osmosis system can reduce PFAS to safe levels. Look for NSF P473 certification when comparing products.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)251 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit⚠ Very Hard
Total Dissolved Solids420 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM⚠ Elevated
PFAS (total)6 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)⚠ Above limit
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 Valley City Homes

🧂 Water Softener
At 251 PPM (14.7 GPG), West Valley City'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 West Valley City household of 2 to 4 people, a 48,000-grain softener is the right starting size.
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🔬 Activated Carbon Filter for PFAS
PFAS detected at 6 ppt, above the EPA maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system effects with long-term exposure. A whole-house granular activated carbon (GAC) filter or a point-of-use reverse osmosis system can reduce PFAS. Look for NSF P473 certification, which specifically tests for PFAS removal.
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About West Valley City's Water Supply

Water Utility: West Valley City

Water Source: Jordan Valley Water Conservancy, wells

Population Served: 140,230

Hardness: 251 PPM (14.7 grains per gallon)

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

Salt Lake City

250 PPM · Very Hard

Provo

235 PPM · Very Hard

Ogden

240 PPM · Very Hard

West Jordan

187 PPM · Very Hard

Sandy

222 PPM · Very Hard

Orem

209 PPM · Very Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About West Valley City Water

Is West Valley City tap water safe to drink?
West Valley City's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. PFAS levels exceed the 2024 EPA health standard, which is a concern for long-term exposure. 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 Valley City?
Yes. At 251 PPM (14.7 GPG), West Valley City'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 West Valley City home with 2 to 4 residents, a 48,000-grain system is the most common starting size.
What water filter is best for West Valley City?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For PFAS, look for a filter with NSF P473 certification. Granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis systems are both effective. Standard carbon pitcher filters may not remove PFAS adequately. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does West Valley City's water come from?
West Valley City's drinking water is sourced from Jordan Valley Water Conservancy, wells and treated by West Valley City. West Valley City's Wasatch Front water is very hard from limestone and evaporite geology in the Great Basin..
What is the hardness of West Valley City water in grains per gallon?
West Valley City's water hardness is 14.7 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 251 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 West Valley City water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At 14.7 GPG, West Valley City'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 Valley City water safe for babies and infants?
West Valley City'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 Valley City household per year?
At 251 PPM, hard water costs the average West Valley City 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 Valley City 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 West Valley City Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.