Utah Water Quality Guide 2026
Understanding water quality along the Wasatch Front and how to effectively treat it for your home.
Utah Water Quality Overview
Utah's water comes from a variety of sources including mountain snowmelt, reservoirs, and groundwater. While generally safe to drink, Utah water has some characteristics that many homeowners choose to address:
- Hard water: Utah has some of the hardest water in the nation, ranging from 200-400+ ppm in many areas
- Chlorine treatment: Municipal water is treated with chlorine for disinfection
- Mineral content: High levels of calcium and magnesium from limestone deposits
- Arsenic: Naturally occurring in some Utah groundwater sources
Reference: Utah Division of Drinking Water
Hard Water in Utah
Utah is known for having extremely hard water. Here's how different areas compare:
| Area | Hardness (ppm) | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | 280-350 ppm | Very Hard |
| Ogden | 250-320 ppm | Very Hard |
| Provo/Utah County | 300-400+ ppm | Extremely Hard |
| Soft Water Standard | 0-60 ppm | Soft |
Hard water causes scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, and appliances. It also makes soap less effective and can leave skin feeling dry.
Why Utah Water Treatment Matters
While Utah municipal water meets EPA safety standards, many residents choose additional treatment for several reasons:
- Scale buildup: Hard water destroys water heaters, dishwashers, and plumbing over time
- Dry skin and hair: Hard minerals strip natural oils, causing dryness and irritation
- Chlorine taste and odor: Many find the chlorine taste unpleasant for drinking
- Spotty dishes and fixtures: Hard water leaves mineral deposits on everything
Water Treatment Solutions for Utah Homes
There are several approaches to treating Utah's hard water and improving overall water quality:
Traditional Salt Softeners
Ion exchange systems that remove hardness minerals (Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium) and add sodium. Require salt refills and high maintenance.
Salt-Free Conditioners
Template-assisted crystallization (TAC) that prevents scale without adding sodium. Lower maintenance.
Reverse Osmosis
Point-of-use systems for drinking water. Very effective but wastes water and only treats one tap.
Advanced Ozone Systems
Whole-home treatment using ozone oxidation plus salt-free conditioning. Treats all water with no chemicals or salt.
PureFlow System's Utah Solution
The SP (Soft, Pure) Whole-Home Water Treatment System is designed for Utah's hard water conditions, providing:
- Salt-free scale conditioning for Utah's hard water
- Chlorine taste and odor reduction
- Plasma ozone oxidation technology
- Whole-home treatment at point of entry
- Professional installation by local Utah technicians
Utah Water Quality Resources
Stay informed about your local water quality with these official resources: