Water Softener in Rialto, CA

Who supplies my water in Rialto?

It depends on where you live. The City of Rialto supplies water through Rialto Water Services, which is operated by a third party, while West Valley Water District and Fontana Water Company serve other parts of the city. Your water bill names your provider. Each one publishes its own annual water quality report, and hardness figures can differ between them, so a neighbor's numbers may not apply to you.

The City system relies primarily on local groundwater from city wells in five adjudicated basins, plus Baseline Feeder water from San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District and surface water from the east side of the San Gabriel Mountains. This page does not quote a hardness figure for any of the three retailers, so use your provider's report or test at the tap.

Is a softener worth it here?

If you see the classic signs, usually yes. White crust on faucets, cloudy dishes, a water heater that pops and rumbles, and showerheads that clog are all signs that minerals are building up. Groundwater-based supplies like Rialto's city system tend to carry calcium and magnesium. A softener removes them before they reach fixtures and appliances, which helps water heaters, tankless units, faucet cartridges and dishwashers last longer.

If your only complaint is taste or odor, a softener will not help. Carbon filtration handles that.

What does the install involve?

The plumber cuts the softener into the main line, usually in the garage or on an outside wall where water enters, ahead of the water heater. It needs a drain for regeneration water and an outlet for the control valve. Most homeowners leave hose bibs and irrigation on unsoftened water. Expect the plumber to check the main shutoff first, because a valve that will not close fully needs replacing before the line can be opened. Valves inside the meter box generally belong to the water provider, so the plumber will work from your house-side shutoff rather than the meter.

Local note

Plumbing permits in Rialto go through the City's Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division, at 150 S. Palm Avenue, which also takes applications online through its permit portal. The plumber can confirm whether your softener installation needs a permit.