Best Water Softener for Bakersfield, CA — 17 Things to Know BEFORE You Buy!

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

1. The Local Water Problem in Bakersfield, CA

Every morning, 380,000 Bakersfield residents wake up to water that's quietly damaging their homes. At 8.5 grains per gallon (GPG), Bakersfield's municipal water supply is classified as "hard" — a designation that translates into thousands of dollars in hidden costs for Kern County homeowners who don't address the problem.

To understand what 8.5 GPG means, think of your home's plumbing like your circulatory system. Just as cholesterol builds up in arteries over time, calcium and magnesium minerals in Bakersfield's water create deposits that narrow pipes, coat heating elements, and force appliances to work harder until they fail. One grain per gallon equals 17.1 milligrams per liter of dissolved minerals — so at 8.5 GPG, every gallon flowing through your Bakersfield home carries 145 milligrams of scale-forming compounds.

Bakersfield's water originates from the Kern River and groundwater wells throughout the San Joaquin Valley. As this water percolates through limestone and gypsum deposits characteristic of the southern Central Valley, it picks up the calcium and magnesium that create the 8.5 GPG hardness level. What makes Bakersfield's situation more complex is the presence of iron and chlorine alongside this hardness — a combination that accelerates pipe corrosion and creates compounded staining problems.

For Bakersfield homeowners, this isn't just about water quality — it's about protecting a major financial investment. Homes with untreated hard water lose an average of $2,400 annually in energy waste, appliance replacement, and cleaning product consumption. In a city where the median home value exceeds $280,000, allowing 8.5 GPG water to circulate untreated is like choosing not to change your car's oil — the damage accumulates silently until a major system fails.

2. What 8.5 GPG Does to Your Home

At 8.5 GPG, Bakersfield's water hardness falls into the aggressive range where mineral deposits form rapidly and cause measurable damage within months, not years. The calcium carbonate scale that builds up in your pipes and appliances isn't just cosmetic — it's a progressive engineering problem that compounds daily.

Your water heater bears the brunt of this mineral assault. At 8.5 GPG, calcium carbonate forms a crusty white coating on heating elements that acts like insulation, forcing the system to work 15-20% harder to achieve the same temperature. For a typical Bakersfield household spending $600 annually on water heating, this translates to an extra $90-120 per year in wasted energy. More critically, the scale buildup shortens the average water heater lifespan from 10-12 years down to 6-8 years — a premature replacement cost of $1,200-1,800.

Inside your home's plumbing, the mineral crystallization process accelerates when water is heated or evaporates. At 8.5 GPG, calcium and magnesium ions bond to pipe walls, creating concentric rings that gradually narrow the interior diameter. Older galvanized steel pipes in pre-1980 Bakersfield homes are especially vulnerable — the rough interior surface provides ideal nucleation sites for scale formation. Within 5-7 years of 8.5 GPG exposure, these pipes can lose 20-30% of their flow capacity.

Major appliances throughout your home suffer accelerated wear at this hardness level. Dishwashers exposed to 8.5 GPG water develop white film on interior surfaces and clogged spray arms within 18-24 months. Washing machines experience valve seat corrosion and reduced agitator efficiency. Coffee makers, ice makers, and steam irons accumulate mineral buildup that affects performance and flavor. Tankless water heaters are particularly vulnerable — most manufacturers void warranties if 8.5 GPG water circulates through the unit without upstream softening.

The soap and detergent waste at this hardness level creates an ongoing financial drain. At 8.5 GPG, calcium and magnesium react with soap molecules to form insoluble precipitates — the grey scum that refuses to rinse away. Bakersfield households typically use 2-3 times more laundry detergent, dish soap, and shampoo compared to soft-water cities. For a family of four, this compounds into approximately $300-400 annually in extra cleaning products.

Personal comfort suffers measurably at 8.5 GPG. Calcium ions strip natural oils from skin and coat hair shafts, leaving both feeling rough and looking dull. Residents with eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin often report symptom flare-ups that correlate directly with hard water exposure. Laundry emerges from the washer feeling stiff and scratchy as mineral deposits embed in fabric fibers.

Adding up energy waste, accelerated appliance replacement, excess soap consumption, and early plumbing repairs, the average Bakersfield household pays an estimated $2,400-2,800 annually in "hard water tax" — costs that disappear when 8.5 GPG water is properly softened.

3. Bakersfield's Specific Contaminant Profile

Beyond the 8.5 GPG hardness baseline, Bakersfield residents are also contending with iron and chlorine — each of which interacts with water hardness in its own way. Understanding these compounds is crucial because they affect both your daily water experience and the type of treatment system that will work effectively in Kern County.

Iron in Bakersfield's Water Supply

Iron enters Bakersfield's water through natural geological processes as groundwater flows through iron-bearing sediments in the San Joaquin Valley aquifer system. The city's wells typically contain ferrous iron — the dissolved, invisible form that remains clear until it contacts air and oxidizes into the familiar red-orange precipitate.

At 8.5 GPG hardness, iron creates compounded problems because it bonds chemically with calcium deposits. When both minerals are present, the resulting scale is harder, more tenacious, and creates rust-colored staining that standard cleaners cannot remove. Bakersfield residents notice this as orange streaks in toilets, rust stains on laundry, and metallic tastes that worsen when water sits in pipes overnight.

The EPA secondary maximum contaminant level for iron is 0.3 mg/L — a threshold set for aesthetic reasons rather than health concerns. Most Bakersfield neighborhoods test between 0.2-0.8 mg/L, with some outlying areas exceeding 1.0 mg/L during summer months when groundwater levels drop. While not dangerous to consume, iron above 0.3 mg/L fouls water softener resin over time, requiring either frequent cleaning or upstream iron filtration.

The SoftPro Elite HE can handle low-level iron (under 0.5 mg/L) when paired with periodic resin cleaning. For Bakersfield homes testing above 0.5 mg/L iron, a dedicated iron pre-filter using birm or greensand media upstream of the softener prevents resin fouling and extends system life.

Chlorine in Bakersfield's Water Treatment

Bakersfield adds chlorine as the primary disinfectant at its water treatment facilities to eliminate bacteria and viruses during distribution through the city's extensive pipe network. The process is essential for public health but creates taste, odor, and chemical byproduct concerns for residents.

Chlorine levels in Bakersfield typically range from 1.5-3.0 mg/L at the treatment plant, declining to 0.8-2.0 mg/L by the time water reaches residential taps. During summer months when temperatures exceed 100°F — common in Kern County — chlorine demand increases and residents often notice stronger chemical tastes and swimming pool odors. The interaction between chlorine and 8.5 GPG hardness accelerates the formation of disinfection byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs).

From a maintenance perspective, chlorine degrades rubber gaskets, O-rings, and valve seats throughout your plumbing system. This degradation accelerates when scale deposits create rough surfaces where chlorine can concentrate. The combination of 8.5 GPG minerals and chlorine exposure reduces the lifespan of faucet cartridges, toilet flappers, and appliance seals.

Water softeners do not remove chlorine — the ion exchange process targets hardness minerals exclusively. Bakersfield residents seeking comprehensive treatment should pair the SoftPro Elite HE with an activated carbon whole-house filter designed specifically for chlorine removal. This two-stage approach addresses both the mineral and chemical aspects of the city's water profile.

4. Why Most Bakersfield Homeowners Pick the Wrong Softener

After reviewing hundreds of failed installations across Kern County, four critical mistakes emerge repeatedly among Bakersfield homeowners who end up disappointed with their water treatment investment. These aren't minor oversights — they're fundamental misunderstandings that lead to poor performance, premature failure, and wasted money.

Mistake #1: Buying on Price Alone

A $400 big-box store softener might work adequately in a soft-water city, but it cannot handle continuous 8.5 GPG demand. Resin exhaustion happens 3-4 times faster at Bakersfield's hardness level compared to soft-water areas. An undersized 24,000-grain unit that regenerates every other day in Phoenix will regenerate daily in Bakersfield — using excessive salt, water, and electricity while delivering inconsistent results. The false economy of a cheap softener costs more in the long run through operational inefficiency and early replacement.

Mistake #2: Confusing Softeners with Filters

Water softeners use ion exchange resin to remove calcium and magnesium ions — period. They do not reliably remove iron above 0.5 mg/L or chlorine at any concentration. Bakersfield residents who assume one system handles all water problems end up with soft water that still stains (iron) and tastes like chemicals (chlorine). The correct approach recognizes that 8.5 GPG hardness, iron, and chlorine require different treatment technologies, often in sequence.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Grain Capacity Math

The sizing formula is straightforward: [People] × 75 gallons/day × 8.5 GPG = daily grain demand. For a 4-person Bakersfield household: 4 × 75 × 8.5 = 2,550 grains consumed daily. Over seven days, that's 17,850 grains. Adding a 20% buffer for high-usage days brings the weekly demand to 21,420 grains. This requires a minimum 32,000-grain capacity, with 48,000 grains being the practical choice for consistent 5-7 day regeneration cycles. Homeowners who skip this calculation end up with units that regenerate every 2-3 days — wasting resources and causing premature wear.

Mistake #4: Overlooking Salt Efficiency

At 8.5 GPG, a softener regenerates 52-78 times per year depending on household size and efficiency. An inefficient unit using 15 pounds of salt per regeneration consumes 780-1,170 pounds annually, while a high-efficiency model uses only 6-8 pounds per cycle. Over the 10-year lifespan, this difference compounds into 3,000-5,000 pounds of excess salt — representing $600-1,000 in unnecessary costs for Bakersfield households, plus the environmental impact of additional brine discharge.

What to Do Next: Before shopping, calculate your household's exact grain demand using Bakersfield's 8.5 GPG hardness. Test your water for iron levels above 0.5 mg/L. Determine whether chlorine taste/odor bothers your family. This data guides you toward the right system configuration rather than guessing based on price or marketing claims.

5. The SoftPro Elite HE: Built for Bakersfield's Water

After evaluating Bakersfield's water hardness of 8.5 GPG and the presence of iron and chlorine in the local supply, one system consistently rises to the top for Kern County homeowners: the SoftPro Elite HE Water Softener. This isn't a marketing claim — it's an engineering assessment based on matching system capabilities to Bakersfield's specific water chemistry demands.

Salt-Based Ion Exchange for True Hardness Removal

The SoftPro Elite HE uses genuine cation exchange resin to physically replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. Salt-free systems marketed as "conditioners" do not actually remove hardness minerals — they only attempt to change crystal structure through template-assisted crystallization. At 8.5 GPG, salt-free technology cannot prevent scale formation or provide the genuine softness that protects appliances and improves soap performance. The SoftPro's ion exchange process delivers water testing under 1 GPG — the only method that eliminates scale at Bakersfield's mineral concentration.

Demand-Initiated Regeneration (DIR) Technology

Traditional timer-based softeners regenerate on fixed schedules regardless of actual water usage. At 8.5 GPG, this approach either wastes salt through premature regeneration or allows hard water breakthrough during high-demand periods. The SoftPro Elite HE monitors actual resin capacity in real-time, regenerating only when the media approaches exhaustion. For Bakersfield households, this precision prevents the hard water breakthrough that damages appliances while minimizing salt consumption — critical efficiency at this hardness level.

NSF/ANSI Standard 44 Certified Components

NSF certification verifies that resin materials, control valves, and internal components meet strict performance and safety standards. For Bakersfield residents already managing iron and chlorine exposure, knowing the softening process itself doesn't introduce contaminants provides essential peace of mind. The certification also validates the system's capacity claims — ensuring that a 48K unit actually delivers 48,000 grains of hardness removal capacity.

Multiple Grain Capacity Options

The SoftPro Elite HE offers 32K, 48K, 64K, and 80K grain capacities to match different household sizes at Bakersfield's 8.5 GPG hardness. For a typical 4-person household consuming 2,550 grains daily, the 48K model provides optimal 7-day regeneration cycles. Larger families or homes with high water usage can step up to 64K or 80K models. This sizing flexibility prevents the over-capacity waste common with one-size-fits-all systems.

10-Year Manufacturer Warranty

At 8.5 GPG, ion exchange resin experiences heavy daily mineral loading that gradually reduces capacity over time. SoftPro's 10-year warranty protects Bakersfield homeowners during the peak stress years when resin degradation typically becomes apparent. This coverage includes both parts and labor — unusual in an industry where most manufacturers offer parts-only protection after the first year.

Iron Pre-Filtration Compatibility

The SoftPro Elite HE is specifically designed to operate downstream of iron removal systems when Bakersfield homes test above 0.5 mg/L. The control valve programming accommodates the flow restrictions and backwash requirements of birm or greensand pre-filters. This compatibility prevents the resin fouling that shortens system life in iron-bearing water areas — a common problem with softeners not engineered for sequential treatment.

High-Efficiency Salt Usage

Through precision brine injection and optimized regeneration cycles, the SoftPro Elite HE uses 40-50% less salt than conventional softeners at 8.5 GPG hardness levels. Where a standard system might consume 12-15 pounds per regeneration, the Elite HE achieves complete resin cleaning with 6-8 pounds. Over 10 years of operation in Bakersfield, this efficiency saves 2,000-3,000 pounds of salt — approximately $400-600 in reduced operating costs.

Recommended Setup for Bakersfield: Based on 8.5 GPG hardness plus iron and chlorine, the optimal configuration pairs a 48K SoftPro Elite HE with an iron pre-filter (if testing above 0.5 mg/L) and a whole-house carbon filter for chlorine removal. This three-stage approach addresses all of Bakersfield's water quality challenges comprehensively.

For Bakersfield households dealing with 8.5 GPG of water hardness and the compounding presence of iron and chlorine, the SoftPro Elite HE is not a comfort upgrade — it is infrastructure protection for your home.

6. How to Size Your Softener for Bakersfield

Proper sizing for Bakersfield's 8.5 GPG hardness requires precise calculation rather than guesswork. An oversized unit wastes salt and water through unnecessarily large regeneration cycles, while an undersized system regenerates too frequently and allows periodic hard water breakthrough.

Step 1: Count household members (include regular guests who shower/use water daily)

Step 2: Multiply by 75 gallons per person per day (industry standard for indoor usage)

Step 3: Multiply household gallons × 8.5 GPG = daily grain demand

Step 4: Multiply daily grains × 7 = weekly grain demand

Step 5: Add 20% buffer for high-usage days (guests, extra laundry, etc.)

Step 6: Match result to SoftPro Elite HE capacity (32K / 48K / 64K / 80K)

Example for 4-Person Bakersfield Household:

Step 1: 4 people

Step 2: 4 × 75 = 300 gallons daily

Step 3: 300 gallons × 8.5 GPG = 2,550 grains daily

Step 4: 2,550 × 7 = 17,850 grains weekly

Step 5: 17,850 × 1.20 = 21,420 grains capacity needed

Step 6: Choose 32K model (adequate) or 48K model (optimal for 7-day cycles)

The 48K SoftPro Elite HE is recommended for this household because it provides comfortable 7-day regeneration intervals with reserve capacity for high-usage periods. The 32K model would regenerate every 5-6 days, which works but offers less flexibility. Regenerating every 5-7 days optimizes salt efficiency while ensuring consistent soft water delivery in Bakersfield's challenging mineral environment.

7. Installation in Bakersfield: What to Know

Bakersfield does not require a licensed plumber for water softener installation, but Kern County's building department recommends professional installation for systems requiring electrical connections or drain modifications. Most homeowners can legally install the SoftPro Elite HE themselves with basic plumbing skills, though professional installation ensures warranty compliance and optimal performance.

The system installs on your main water line after the shutoff valve but before the water heater. This placement ensures all water entering your home — including cold water to faucets, toilets, and appliances — receives softening treatment. The typical location is in the garage, basement, or utility room where access to drain and electrical connections is convenient.

A drain connection is mandatory for regeneration discharge — the SoftPro Elite HE produces approximately 35-50 gallons of brine wastewater during each regeneration cycle. Bakersfield's municipal code allows softener discharge to laundry drains, floor drains, or directly to sewer connections. The drain line should not exceed 20 feet in length or rise more than 8 feet above the control valve to maintain proper flow.

Bakersfield's municipal water pressure typically ranges from 45-75 PSI — well within the SoftPro Elite HE's operating range of 25-80 PSI. Homes in hillside areas or at the end of distribution lines may experience lower pressure during peak demand hours. If your pressure drops below 40 PSI regularly, consider a pressure booster pump to maintain optimal softener performance and regeneration efficiency.

Salt Type Recommendation for 8.5 GPG: Use evaporated salt pellets exclusively at this hardness level. Solar salt crystals contain impurities that create brine tank residue, while rock salt contains enough insoluble matter to interfere with regeneration efficiency. Evaporated pellets cost 15-20% more but maintain peak system performance in Bakersfield's demanding mineral environment. Plan to add 40-80 pounds monthly depending on household size and regeneration frequency.

8. Maintenance Schedule for Bakersfield Homeowners

At 8.5 GPG hardness, your SoftPro Elite HE works harder than systems in soft-water cities, making consistent maintenance essential for peak performance and longevity. This schedule is calibrated specifically for Bakersfield's mineral loading and iron exposure.

Monthly Tasks:

Check salt level in the brine tank — consumption is moderate to high at 8.5 GPG, typically 30-60 pounds monthly for average households. Maintain salt level 3-4 inches above the water line but never fill above the brine well overflow. Inspect for salt bridges — a hardened crust that forms above the water line and prevents proper brine formation. Check that the bypass valve remains in the "service" position unless you're performing maintenance.

Every 3 Months:

Clean the brine tank by removing loose salt debris and wiping interior surfaces with a damp cloth. Test post-softener water hardness using a test strip — properly functioning systems should deliver under 1 GPG consistently. If iron levels in your Bakersfield water exceed 0.3 mg/L, inspect any upstream iron pre-filter and replace media as needed. Check all plumbing connections for mineral buildup or corrosion.

Annual Maintenance:

Perform complete brine tank cleaning by removing all salt, scrubbing interior surfaces, and refilling with fresh evaporated pellets. Conduct a resin bed performance evaluation — if post-softener hardness creeps above 1 GPG despite proper salt levels, the resin may need cleaning or replacement. For homes with iron in the water supply, inspect resin for orange iron fouling and use iron-removing resin cleaner if needed. Audit regeneration cycle timing and salt dosage to ensure optimal efficiency.

Every 5 Years:

Evaluate resin replacement based on performance testing and visual inspection. At 8.5 GPG hardness, resin typically maintains effectiveness for 8-12 years, but iron exposure can shorten this lifespan. High-GPG cities like Bakersfield degrade resin faster than soft-water areas, making periodic assessment crucial for maintaining water quality standards.

Bakersfield Homeowner Tip: Order a home water test kit to establish baseline hardness and iron readings before installation, then retest 30 days after system startup to confirm the SoftPro Elite HE is performing to specifications in your specific water conditions.

9. Frequently Asked Questions for Bakersfield Residents

9. Is Bakersfield's water at 8.5 GPG dangerous to drink?

No, 8.5 GPG hardness poses no health risks — calcium and magnesium are beneficial minerals your body needs. The EPA classifies hard water as a secondary (aesthetic) concern rather than a primary health issue. However, the iron levels present in some Bakersfield neighborhoods can create metallic tastes, and chlorine disinfection byproducts may be a consideration for sensitive individuals. The hardness itself is safe but creates the appliance and plumbing damage described throughout this article.

10. Will a water softener remove iron and chlorine from Bakersfield's water?

Water softeners remove hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) through ion exchange but have limited effectiveness against iron and no effect on chlorine. The SoftPro Elite HE can handle iron levels up to 0.5 mg/L, but higher concentrations require dedicated iron filtration upstream. Chlorine removal requires activated carbon filtration — either a separate whole-house carbon filter or a combination system. Bakersfield residents dealing with all three contaminants need a multi-stage approach.

11. How much salt will I use per month in Bakersfield at 8.5 GPG?

A typical 4-person household will consume 40-60 pounds of salt monthly with the SoftPro Elite HE at Bakersfield's 8.5 GPG hardness level. This assumes 7-day regeneration cycles using 6-8 pounds per regeneration. Larger families or higher water usage increase consumption proportionally. At current evaporated salt prices ($6-8 per 40-pound bag), monthly salt costs range from $6-12 — a small price compared to the damage prevented.

12. Does Bakersfield require a permit to install a water softener?

Bakersfield does not require permits for basic water softener installation when connecting to existing plumbing and electrical systems. However, if installation requires new electrical circuits, drain line modifications, or changes to main water line configuration, contact Kern County building department for permit requirements. Most residential installations qualify as maintenance rather than construction, but confirming local requirements protects you from code violations.

13. Why does soft water feel slippery in the shower?

Soft water allows soap to lather properly instead of forming mineral scum, creating a slippery sensation that many people initially find unusual. At 8.5 GPG, Bakersfield residents are accustomed to calcium ions interfering with soap action. When these minerals are removed, soap works as intended — creating rich lather and rinsing completely clean. The slippery feeling indicates the system is working properly, and most people adapt within 1-2 weeks.

14. How quickly will I see results after installing a softener in Bakersfield?

Immediate benefits include better soap lather, reduced soap scum, and softer laundry within the first wash cycle. Existing scale deposits take 3-6 months to gradually dissolve as soft water circulates through your plumbing system. Appliance efficiency improvements become noticeable within 30-60 days as heating elements shed mineral buildup. Skin and hair improvements typically appear within 2-3 weeks of consistent soft water use.

15. Can the SoftPro Elite HE handle Bakersfield's water without separate filters?

The SoftPro Elite HE effectively treats 8.5 GPG hardness and low-level iron (under 0.5 mg/L) without additional equipment. However, if your Bakersfield water tests above 0.5 mg/L iron, an upstream iron filter prevents resin fouling and extends system life. Chlorine removal requires separate activated carbon filtration if taste and odor bother your family. The softener excels at its primary function — hardness removal — but comprehensive treatment may require multiple technologies.

16. 30-Day Action Plan for Bakersfield Homeowners

Week 1: Test and Evaluate

Order a comprehensive water test kit that measures hardness, iron, and chlorine levels. Conduct the test using water drawn from your kitchen cold tap after letting it run for 2-3 minutes. Calculate your household's daily grain demand using the formula from Section 6. Inspect current appliances for scale buildup, particularly the water heater, dishwasher interior, and showerheads.

Week 2: Research and Size

Based on your test results and household size, determine the appropriate SoftPro Elite HE capacity (32K, 48K, 64K, or 80K). If iron levels exceed 0.5 mg/L, research iron pre-filtration options like birm or greensand filters. For chlorine concerns, evaluate whole-house activated carbon systems. Identify the optimal installation location in your home with access to main water line, drain, and electrical connection.

Week 3: Plan Installation

Decide between professional installation and DIY approach based on your plumbing skills and local code requirements. Obtain quotes from licensed Bakersfield plumbers if choosing professional installation. Order the SoftPro Elite HE system and any companion filters. Purchase initial salt supply (evaporated pellets recommended for 8.5 GPG hardness).

Week 4: Install and Monitor

Complete system installation and initial startup procedure. Test post-softener water hardness within 48 hours to confirm proper operation. Begin monitoring salt consumption and regeneration frequency. Schedule first quarterly maintenance check for 90 days out. Document baseline measurements for comparison as scale deposits gradually dissolve over the coming months.

17. Final Verdict for Bakersfield

Bakersfield's water hardness of 8.5 GPG demands commercial-grade treatment, not residential compromise. This isn't about water preference — it's about protecting a substantial financial investment from accelerated deterioration. The combination of aggressive mineral content, iron staining potential, and chlorine exposure creates a perfect storm for appliance damage and plumbing degradation.

Iron compounds the hardness problem by creating tenacious rust stains that bond chemically with calcium deposits, while chlorine accelerates rubber seal degradation throughout your plumbing system. These aren't separate problems — they're interconnected challenges that require comprehensive treatment.

The SoftPro Elite HE emerges as the logical choice for Kern County homeowners because of three specific engineering advantages: demand-initiated regeneration prevents hard water breakthrough during Bakersfield's high-mineral conditions, NSF-certified components ensure reliable operation despite iron exposure, and the 10-year warranty provides protection during the peak stress years when 8.5 GPG takes its toll on internal components.

For Bakersfield residents, the question isn't whether to install a water softener — it's whether to act before or after expensive appliance failures begin. Check current SoftPro Elite HE pricing and available grain capacities for your household size. The investment pays for itself through energy savings and extended appliance life, while the daily comfort improvements make hard water's inconveniences a memory.

In a city where summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F and residents rely heavily on air conditioning, dishwashers, and ice makers, protecting these systems from Bakersfield's mineral-rich water isn't luxury — it's practical stewardship of your home's mechanical infrastructure, as essential as changing your car's oil in the Central Valley heat.