Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego Water

Welcome to Culligan of San Diego. Our comprehensive FAQ page addresses common questions about water contaminants, treatment solutions, and our services in the San Diego area. Whether you’re dealing with hard water, curious about reverse osmosis, or considering a water softener, we’ve got you covered.

Yes, San Diego’s water meets federal and state drinking water standards. However, many residents experience very hard water, strong chlorine taste, and elevated TTHMs and HAA5 due to the region’s heavy reliance on imported water from the Colorado River and State Water Project. These sources naturally contain higher mineral loads and organic material, which influence both taste and quality. Some residents also choose additional filtration to reduce PFAS detected in regional supplies.

San Diego consistently ranks among the hardest water regions in the U.S. because the Colorado River — one of its main imported sources — contains extremely high levels of calcium and magnesium. Even after treatment, these minerals remain in the water and cause scale buildup on fixtures, glassware, appliances, and plumbing.

Trace PFAS have been detected in several imported water sources used throughout San Diego County. Levels vary based on regional blending and seasonal supply changes. While still regulated, many homeowners use reverse osmosis filtration to reduce PFAS well below detection thresholds.

San Diego Public Utilities uses chlorine to maintain water quality across a large and complex distribution system. Areas near treatment plants or during seasonal blending changes may notice stronger chlorine taste or odor.

This odor typically comes from hydrogen sulfide gas created inside plumbing lines or water heaters, not from the municipal supply. However, residents in coastal and older neighborhoods may notice stronger odors due to aging pipes, stagnant water in plumbing, or sediment buildup.

TTHMs and HAA5 form when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter, which is more prevalent in imported surface water supplies. Regulations allow these byproducts within certain limits, but many homeowners prefer to reduce them with point-of-use filtration.

Warm temperatures, algae activity in reservoirs, and regional drought conditions can affect taste. Seasonal musty or earthy flavors commonly occur during blending changes or during periods of higher runoff after storms.

Cloudiness is usually tiny air bubbles caused by temperature or pressure changes in plumbing. It clears quickly on its own. Persistent turbidity could indicate sediment inside older pipes.

The municipal system does not use lead service lines, but many older San Diego homes — especially pre-1986 construction — may have plumbing components or solder containing lead that can leach into water at the tap. Filtration can help reduce this risk.

Yes. San Diego participates in municipal fluoridation according to state guidelines.

San Diego blends multiple sources — Colorado River, State Water Project, local reservoirs, and sometimes desalinated water — depending on seasonal availability. This creates noticeable differences in taste, hardness, and odor between neighborhoods like La Jolla, North Park, Rancho Bernardo, and Chula Vista.

A Culligan water softener treats hard water through ion exchange, reducing the calcium and magnesium that cause scale buildup. This is one of the most effective upgrades for San Diego homes given the region’s persistently high hardness levels.

No. Softeners only treat hardness. For taste, odor, PFAS, lead, or disinfection byproducts, a reverse osmosis system or carbon filtration is recommended.

Culligan reverse osmosis systems are an effective option for reducing PFAS along with reducing TDS, lead, chlorine byproducts, and other dissolved substances.

This is mineral residue from hard water. With San Diego’s hardness levels, these spots appear quickly without softening.

Hard water prevents detergents from working effectively, reducing lather and leaving minerals behind on fabric. Soft water enhances detergent performance and helps clothes stay softer and brighter.

Activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems are commonly used to reduce chlorine, improving taste and overall drinking experience.

Yes. A combination of carbon filtration and RO helps reduce organic compounds that contribute to taste and odor changes.

Sediment typically originates from older plumbing or from disturbance in local water mains after repairs. Filters can help capture particulate matter before it enters your home’s fixtures.

Some coastal neighborhoods experience distinct taste and odor variations due to pipe age, higher humidity, and variable water pressure. Filtration can help reduce these localized issues.

Yes. Culligan provides free in-home water testing to help identify hardness levels, chlorine taste, PFAS concerns, and other water characteristics unique to your neighborhood.

Yes. Culligan offers affordable rental plans for softeners and RO systems that include maintenance — a popular option for San Diego apartments, condos, and rental properties.

Yes. Many San Diego residents live in compact homes or multi-unit buildings, and Culligan offers space-friendly systems designed for smaller footprints.

Yes. Culligan services, maintains, and repairs most major brands of water softeners and filtration systems.

Culligan offers maintenance plans that cover inspection, cleaning, and optional salt delivery to keep your softener performing efficiently.

RO systems require periodic filter and membrane replacement. Culligan can provide this as part of a scheduled maintenance plan or through rental service.

A Culligan expert can help identify the best solution for your specific water profile — whether it’s reducing hardness, improving taste, or lowering PFAS and disinfection byproducts.

San Diego receives water from multiple imported and local sources. Seasonal blending, storm runoff, drought shifts, and reservoir conditions can all cause noticeable changes in taste, hardness, and odor throughout the year.

Hilly terrain, aging infrastructure, and variations in distribution areas can lead to inconsistent water pressure in specific neighborhoods. While not a treatment issue, filtration systems can still be installed in low-pressure environments.