Water Softener in Yorba Linda, CA

Which water provider serves my home?

The City of Yorba Linda does not supply water itself. Most residents are served by Yorba Linda Water District (YLWD), and some by Golden State Water Company through its Placentia-Yorba Linda system. The City says which one depends on the location of your residence, so check your bill. YLWD also provides sewer service.

YLWD gets about 85 percent of its water from local wells in the Orange County Groundwater Basin and about 15 percent from imported Metropolitan Water District water. Golden State Water's local system blends treated Orange County Basin groundwater with imported Colorado River and State Water Project water purchased through Metropolitan.

How hard is the water?

For Golden State Water customers, its latest report lists an average of 11.0 grains per gallon, with a range of 3.92 to 17.5. That is hard water, and a softener is a common choice. YLWD's own water quality report lists the hardness figure, so it is the place to check, or have your tap tested. With most of YLWD's supply coming from groundwater, testing before you buy is a good idea.

On the disinfectant side, Golden State Water uses chlorine, and the imported Metropolitan water it buys contains chloramine. A softener removes neither; catalytic carbon handles taste and odor.

What should I know before installing?

Yorba Linda's median home was built around 1984, so many houses have original shutoff valves and are on a later water heater. The plumber will check the main shutoff and pick a spot on the main line, usually in the garage, near a drain and outlet. Irrigation lines are best left on unsoftened water, which saves salt and keeps the unit's capacity for indoor use. If the house has an older softener or filter on the line, the plumber will remove it or decide whether parts of it can be reused. The City of Yorba Linda Building Division issues plumbing permits, and its FAQ notes that YLWD may have its own plan requirements for some projects. The plumber can confirm what applies to a softener.

Local note

Yorba Linda is in Orange County, at the western edge of the area this service covers. YLWD customer service is (714) 701-3000; Golden State Water lists 1.800.999.4033.