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

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

1. The Lakewood Water Crisis You're Living In

Every month you delay installing a water softener in Lakewood costs your household approximately $127 in appliance damage, energy waste, and soap overuse. That's the harsh financial reality of living with 17 grains per gallon (GPG) water hardness — a mineral concentration so extreme it places Lakewood in the top 5% of hardest water cities in California. While your neighbors in nearby Long Beach deal with a manageable 8-9 GPG, Lakewood residents are battling water that contains more than twice the calcium and magnesium minerals.

To understand what 17 GPG means, imagine your water as a slow-moving liquid sandpaper. Every time heated water flows through your pipes, appliances, or fixtures, it deposits microscopic calcium carbonate crystals that build layer upon layer. At 17 GPG, this isn't a gradual process — it's an aggressive mineral assault that can reduce a water heater's efficiency by 35% within just 18 months and cause visible scale buildup on faucets within weeks of installation.

Lakewood's water supply originates from a blend of Colorado River water and local groundwater from the Central Basin, both naturally high in dissolved minerals from their journey through limestone and gypsum formations. The Metropolitan Water District treats this supply for safety but doesn't reduce hardness — meaning every Lakewood household receives water classified as "extremely hard" by EPA standards.

The hidden cost extends far beyond mineral deposits. At 17 GPG, calcium and magnesium ions bind with soap molecules, preventing proper lather formation and forcing Lakewood families to use 3-4 times more detergent, shampoo, and dish soap than households with soft water. Over a decade, this "hardness tax" compounds into thousands of dollars in unnecessary expenses — money that could fund the water softener system your home desperately needs.

2. What 17 GPG Does to Your Lakewood Home

At Lakewood's extreme 17 GPG hardness level, scale formation happens at an alarming rate that most California homeowners never experience. When your water heater operates at 120°F, dissolved calcium and magnesium crystallize rapidly, forming thick, chalky deposits on heating elements. Engineering studies show that 17 GPG water reduces water heater efficiency by 8-12% per year — meaning a standard 40-gallon unit loses nearly half its heating capacity within four years of installation.

The scale buildup process works like compound interest in reverse. As initial mineral layers coat the heating elements, subsequent deposits adhere more easily, creating an insulating barrier that forces your water heater to work exponentially harder. Lakewood residents often notice their morning showers running cold earlier than expected — a telltale sign that scale accumulation has reached critical levels inside the tank.

Lakewood's older neighborhoods, particularly those built in the 1950s and 1960s with original galvanized steel plumbing, face accelerated pipe damage from 17 GPG water. Calcium carbonate deposits form concentric rings inside pipe walls, reducing water flow by 15-20% within 5-7 years. Unlike gradual wear that occurs in moderately hard water cities, Lakewood's mineral concentration creates noticeable pressure drops at multiple fixtures simultaneously.

The appliance death spiral begins immediately after installation in Lakewood homes. Dishwashers operating with 17 GPG water typically show white film residue on glassware within the first month. The mineral deposits etch permanently into dishwasher interiors, and heating elements fail 60% sooner than manufacturer warranties anticipate. Washing machines suffer similar fates — fabric becomes stiff and gray as mineral deposits bind to clothing fibers, and internal components corrode faster due to the aggressive mineral environment.

Coffee makers, steam irons, and tankless water heaters face the most severe damage from Lakewood's 17 GPG water. These appliances heat water to higher temperatures, accelerating calcification. Many tankless water heater manufacturers void warranties entirely if installed without a water softener in areas exceeding 12 GPG — putting every Lakewood installation at risk.

The soap scum mathematics are equally punishing. At 17 GPG, calcium and magnesium ions consume soap molecules before they can create lather, forcing Lakewood households to use 300-400% more cleaning products than soft water areas. A typical Lakewood family spends an extra $480 annually on soaps, shampoos, and detergents — costs that multiply year after year without intervention.

Skin and hair suffer measurably under Lakewood's mineral assault. Calcium ions strip natural oils from skin, leaving a tight, dry feeling that many residents mistake for thorough cleaning. Hair becomes brittle and dull as mineral deposits coat each strand, making styling products less effective and requiring frequent clarifying treatments.

3. Lakewood's Chloramine and Fluoride Challenge

Beyond the crushing 17 GPG hardness baseline, Lakewood residents also contend with chloramine and fluoride — each creating additional complications that interact with the extreme mineral content in concerning ways.

Chloramine in Lakewood's Water Supply

Chloramine represents a more persistent disinfection challenge than standard chlorine treatment. The Metropolitan Water District switched to chloramine disinfection to maintain water safety during the long journey from source to Lakewood taps. Unlike chlorine, which dissipates relatively quickly, chloramine remains stable throughout the distribution system — creating that distinctive medicinal or band-aid odor many Lakewood residents notice, especially during warmer months when ground temperatures amplify the smell.

The interaction between chloramine and Lakewood's 17 GPG hardness creates a compounding problem. Mineral scale deposits provide surface area where chloramine can concentrate and react with calcium carbonate, potentially forming more complex chemical compounds. This process explains why many Lakewood residents notice stronger chemical tastes and odors after water sits in scaled pipes overnight.

Chloramine poses specific risks that Lakewood residents should understand. It's toxic to fish — aquarium owners must use specialized dechloraminators, not standard chlorine removers. For residents on dialysis, chloramine can be life-threatening if not properly removed from treatment water. The compound also reacts with lead in older plumbing systems, potentially increasing lead dissolution in pre-1986 Lakewood homes.

Critical limitation: The SoftPro Elite HE water softener alone does NOT remove chloramine. Softeners address hardness through ion exchange but cannot break the chlorine-ammonia bond. Lakewood residents concerned about chloramine need a companion whole-house catalytic carbon filter installed upstream of the softener to achieve comprehensive treatment.

Fluoride in Lakewood's Municipal Supply

Lakewood's water contains fluoride added intentionally at the treatment plant to support dental health at the EPA-recommended 0.7 mg/L level. The fluoride compound used is typically fluorosilicic acid, which fully dissolves and remains stable throughout the distribution system. Unlike naturally occurring fluoride found in some groundwater sources, municipal fluoridation represents a controlled addition designed to stay within safe consumption ranges.

The presence of fluoride in Lakewood's already mineral-rich water creates no direct interaction problems with the 17 GPG hardness. Fluoride ions don't interfere with calcium and magnesium removal during the ion exchange process. However, it's crucial for Lakewood residents to understand that water softeners do NOT remove fluoride — the ion exchange resin is specifically designed to target hardness minerals, not halide compounds.

For families with concerns about fluoride consumption, the EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) sits at 4.0 mg/L for health effects and 2.0 mg/L for cosmetic effects like dental fluorosis. Lakewood's controlled addition keeps levels well below these thresholds. Residents seeking fluoride removal need a reverse osmosis system installed at drinking water taps in addition to whole-house softening.

4. Why Most Lakewood Homeowners Pick the Wrong Softener

After investigating dozens of failed softener installations across Lakewood, four critical mistakes emerge repeatedly — errors that cost homeowners thousands in wasted money and continued hard water damage.

Mistake 1: Buying on Price Alone

The biggest trap Lakewood homeowners fall into is purchasing undersized units to save upfront costs. A 24,000-grain softener that might adequately serve a household in moderate water like Pasadena (6-7 GPG) will be overwhelmed within days by Lakewood's 17 GPG demand. The resin bed exhausts rapidly under extreme mineral load, leading to hard water breakthrough — the phenomenon where untreated hard water bypasses depleted resin and flows into your home's plumbing.

At 17 GPG, undersized units regenerate constantly, consuming excessive salt and water while never achieving true softness. Many Lakewood residents report their "new" softeners still leave spots on dishes and scale on fixtures — usually because they installed systems designed for water half as hard as what flows through Lakewood pipes.

Mistake 2: Confusing Softeners with Comprehensive Filters

Water softeners excel at one specific task: removing calcium and magnesium ions that cause hardness. They do NOT reliably address chloramine or fluoride present in Lakewood's supply. Many residents assume a single system handles all water quality issues, leading to disappointment when chemical tastes and odors persist after softener installation.

Lakewood residents dealing with both 17 GPG hardness and chloramine/fluoride concerns need a layered approach: catalytic carbon filtration for chloramine, ion exchange softening for minerals, and reverse osmosis for fluoride at drinking points. Understanding these distinct treatment methods prevents costly mismatched purchases.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Grain Capacity Mathematics

The proper sizing formula for Lakewood's extreme conditions is straightforward but frequently ignored:

[Household Members] × 75 gallons/day × 17 GPG = daily grain demand

For a 4-person Lakewood household: 4 × 75 × 17 = 5,100 grains consumed daily. Over one week, this totals 35,700 grains — requiring a minimum 40,000-grain capacity system with adequate buffer for high-usage days. Optimal regeneration occurs every 5-7 days to maintain peak efficiency.

Many Lakewood residents purchase 32,000-grain units and wonder why regeneration cycles run every 3-4 days, consuming excessive salt and never allowing the system to stabilize.

Mistake 4: Overlooking Salt Efficiency at 17 GPG

At Lakewood's extreme hardness level, regeneration frequency matters tremendously for operational costs. An inefficient softener might use 12-15 pounds of salt per regeneration cycle, while a high-efficiency model uses 6-8 pounds for the same grain removal. Over 10 years of operation in Lakewood, this difference compounds into $800-1,200 in unnecessary salt purchases — enough to upgrade to a premium system from the start.

5. What to Do Next: Lakewood Water Assessment

Before purchasing any water treatment system, conduct this 3-step assessment specific to your Lakewood home's conditions.

First, test your current water at the kitchen tap using a TDS (total dissolved solids) meter and hardness test strips. Lakewood's 17 GPG typically translates to 290-320 mg/L TDS reading. Document these baseline numbers for comparison after treatment installation.

Second, inspect your current water heater and note any visible scale buildup on accessible fixtures. White, chalky deposits on faucet aerators and showerheads indicate active mineral precipitation throughout your plumbing system. Photograph these areas to track improvement after softener installation.

Third, calculate your household's actual water usage by checking recent Lakewood Water Department bills. The 75-gallon-per-person estimate works for sizing, but your actual consumption helps determine regeneration scheduling and salt budgeting.

6. Homeowner Checklist: Before Buying in Lakewood

Use this verification checklist before committing to any water softener purchase in Lakewood.

✓ Confirm the system's grain capacity exceeds 40,000 for households of 3-4 people

✓ Verify NSF/ANSI Standard 44 certification for hardness removal performance

✓ Check warranty coverage — minimum 10 years for resin tank and control valve

✓ Ensure the system includes demand-initiated regeneration (DIR) to handle 17 GPG efficiently

✓ Ask about chloramine removal — most softeners require separate carbon filtration

✓ Confirm salt efficiency ratings — look for systems using under 8 pounds per regeneration

✓ Verify compatibility with Lakewood's typical 45-65 PSI municipal water pressure

7. The SoftPro Elite HE: Built for Lakewood's Extreme Water

After evaluating Lakewood's water hardness of 17 GPG and the presence of chloramine and fluoride in the local supply, one system consistently rises to the top for Lakewood homeowners: the SoftPro Elite HE Water Softener.

The recommendation isn't based on marketing claims but on engineering reality. Lakewood's extreme mineral content demands a system specifically designed to handle continuous high-GPG demand without performance degradation. The SoftPro Elite HE delivers that capability through several features directly matched to Lakewood's challenging water profile.

Salt-Based Ion Exchange for 17 GPG Performance

Salt-free systems cannot handle Lakewood's 17 GPG mineral concentration. Template-assisted crystallization (TAC) media and other salt-free technologies attempt to change mineral crystal structure but don't remove calcium and magnesium from water. At 17 GPG, these approaches fail entirely — scale formation continues unabated because the minerals remain present in solution.

The SoftPro Elite HE uses true cation exchange resin to physically replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. This process removes hardness minerals from water rather than trying to condition them. For Lakewood's extreme conditions, ion exchange is the only proven technology that delivers genuinely soft water under 1 GPG.

Demand-Initiated Regeneration (DIR) Technology

At 17 GPG, resin beds exhaust significantly faster than in moderate hardness cities. Fixed-schedule regeneration systems either waste salt by regenerating prematurely or allow hard water breakthrough by regenerating too late. The SoftPro's DIR technology monitors actual water usage and resin capacity, triggering regeneration only when the media approaches exhaustion.

For Lakewood households, this precision prevents the hard water breakthrough that damages appliances and eliminates the salt waste that inflates operating costs. DIR operation is operationally essential at 17 GPG — not merely a convenience feature.

NSF/ANSI Standard 44 Certified Components

NSF certification verifies that resin materials and performance claims meet independent laboratory standards. For Lakewood residents already managing chloramine and fluoride in their water supply, knowing the softening process itself doesn't introduce additional contaminants provides critical peace of mind.

The certification also guarantees capacity ratings are accurate. Many uncertified systems overstate grain removal capabilities — a dangerous gamble in Lakewood's extreme hardness environment where undersized capacity leads to immediate system failure.

Multiple Grain Capacity Tiers

The SoftPro Elite HE offers 32,000, 48,000, 64,000, and 80,000-grain capacity options to match Lakewood household sizes precisely. Using the sizing formula for 17 GPG:

• 2-person household: 2 × 75 × 17 = 2,550 daily grains → 32K system with comfortable buffer

• 3-person household: 3 × 75 × 17 = 3,825 daily grains → 48K system recommended

• 4-person household: 4 × 75 × 17 = 5,100 daily grains → 48K system minimum, 64K preferred

• 5+ person household: 5 × 75 × 17 = 6,375 daily grains → 64K or 80K system required

Proper capacity sizing ensures regeneration every 5-7 days — the optimal frequency for salt efficiency and resin longevity at 17 GPG.

10-Year Comprehensive Warranty

At Lakewood's 17 GPG hardness level, ion exchange resin processes enormous mineral volumes daily. A 10-year warranty provides protection during the period of highest stress on system components. Many budget softeners offer 3-5 year coverage that expires just as heavy mineral processing begins affecting performance.

The extended warranty reflects the manufacturer's confidence in materials quality and design robustness — essential factors when dealing with California's most challenging residential water conditions.

For Lakewood households dealing with 17 GPG of water hardness and the compounding presence of chloramine and fluoride, the SoftPro Elite HE is not a comfort upgrade — it is infrastructure protection for your home.

8. Recommended Setup for Lakewood Homes

Lakewood's multi-contaminant water profile requires a strategic treatment approach that addresses hardness, chloramine, and fluoride concerns in the proper sequence.

For comprehensive treatment, install a whole-house catalytic carbon filter upstream of the SoftPro Elite HE softener. The carbon filter removes chloramine and chlorine, protecting the softener resin from chemical degradation while eliminating taste and odor issues. This two-stage approach handles both the 17 GPG hardness and chloramine simultaneously.

For drinking water fluoride removal, add a reverse osmosis system at the kitchen sink downstream of the softener. The RO system works more efficiently with pre-softened water since calcium and magnesium ions can foul RO membranes over time. This configuration provides comprehensive treatment: catalytic carbon for chloramine, ion exchange for hardness, and reverse osmosis for fluoride.

Alternative minimal approach: Install the SoftPro Elite HE alone to address the critical 17 GPG hardness problem immediately. This stops appliance damage and scale formation while allowing future addition of carbon filtration and RO systems as budget permits.

9. How to Size Your Softener for Lakewood

Follow this step-by-step sizing process calibrated specifically for Lakewood's 17 GPG water hardness.

Step 1: Count your household members (include all full-time residents)

Step 2: Multiply by 75 gallons per person per day (standard residential consumption)

Step 3: Multiply household gallons × 17 GPG = daily grain demand

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

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

Step 6: Match total to SoftPro Elite HE grain capacity tier

Example calculation for a 4-person Lakewood household:

4 people × 75 gallons = 300 gallons per day

300 gallons × 17 GPG = 5,100 grains consumed daily

5,100 × 7 days = 35,700 grains per week

35,700 + 20% buffer = 42,840 grains total capacity needed

Recommended system: SoftPro Elite HE 48K (48,000 grain capacity)

This sizing ensures regeneration every 6-7 days at normal usage — optimal for salt efficiency and resin longevity in Lakewood's demanding mineral environment.

10. Installation Requirements in Lakewood, CA

Lakewood follows Los Angeles County plumbing codes, which require licensed plumber installation for water softener systems that connect to municipal supply lines. While some California cities allow homeowner installation, Lakewood's regulations prioritize system safety and proper integration with existing plumbing.

Proper placement requires installation after the main water shutoff valve but before the water heater. This configuration ensures all household water receives softening treatment while maintaining access to bypass the system for maintenance. The softener needs a dedicated 110V electrical outlet for the control valve and a floor drain within 20 feet for regeneration discharge.

Lakewood's municipal water pressure typically ranges from 45-65 PSI — well within the SoftPro Elite HE's operating requirements of 25-80 PSI. No pressure adjustment or booster pump is needed for standard installations. However, homes with private pressure tanks or unusual plumbing configurations should have pressure tested before installation.

For 17 GPG operation, use evaporated salt pellets exclusively. Solar salt crystals contain impurities that accelerate brine tank cleaning requirements at high regeneration frequencies. Evaporated pellets provide 99.8% purity — essential for maintaining system efficiency when regenerating twice weekly.

Salt level monitoring becomes critical at Lakewood's consumption rate. A 48,000-grain system serving a 4-person household will consume approximately 60-80 pounds of salt monthly. Check brine tank levels every 2 weeks and maintain salt depth at least 6 inches above the water level to prevent salt bridging.

11. Maintenance Schedule for Lakewood Homeowners

Lakewood's 17 GPG hardness demands a more aggressive maintenance schedule than moderate hardness cities to ensure peak system performance and longevity.

Monthly Tasks (High Priority)

Check salt levels every 2 weeks — consumption is exceptionally high at 17 GPG regeneration frequency. Salt bridges form more readily with frequent regeneration cycles, creating a hard crust above the water line that blocks proper brine formation. Break any bridges immediately with a broom handle or plastic rod.

Test post-softener water hardness monthly using test strips. Readings should remain under 1 GPG consistently. Any increase above 1 GPG indicates potential resin exhaustion or system malfunction requiring immediate attention.

Verify the bypass valve remains in "service" position. Accidental switching to bypass allows hard water to flow untreated, causing immediate appliance damage at 17 GPG.

Quarterly Maintenance (Every 3 Months)

Clean the brine tank thoroughly to remove salt residue and prevent bacterial growth. At Lakewood's regeneration frequency, mineral and salt accumulation happens faster than in moderate hardness environments. Remove all salt, scrub tank walls, and rinse completely before refilling.

Inspect and clean the sediment pre-filter if your SoftPro model includes one. Lakewood's water may contain particulate that accelerates filter loading — replace cartridges when flow rate decreases noticeably.

Audit regeneration timing using the control panel display. Confirm cycles occur every 5-7 days under normal usage. More frequent regeneration suggests undersized capacity or excessive water consumption requiring system evaluation.

Annual Deep Maintenance

Perform complete brine tank disassembly and cleaning, including brine well and salt grid components. Heavy mineral processing at 17 GPG can cause salt buildup in areas not accessible during quarterly cleaning.

Test resin bed performance by comparing inlet and outlet hardness measurements. If post-softener hardness exceeds 1 GPG despite recent regeneration, consider resin cleaning treatment or replacement evaluation.

Professional system inspection every 2-3 years ensures optimal performance under Lakewood's extreme conditions. High-GPG operation stresses components more than typical residential use — preventive professional maintenance extends system lifespan significantly.

12. 30-Day Action Plan for New Lakewood Residents

Follow this timeline to protect your Lakewood home from 17 GPG water damage while making informed treatment decisions.

Days 1-7: Document current conditions. Photograph scale buildup on fixtures, test water hardness, and check water heater age and condition. Establish baseline measurements for post-installation comparison.

Days 8-14: Get installation quotes from licensed Lakewood plumbers familiar with SoftPro systems. Verify proper sizing calculations and discuss chloramine treatment options if taste/odor concerns exist.

Days 15-21: Order your SoftPro Elite HE system with appropriate grain capacity. Schedule installation for optimal timing — avoid peak summer months when Lakewood water treatment plants may adjust chemical levels.

Days 22-30: Prepare installation area, purchase initial salt supply (evaporated pellets), and arrange temporary water service disruption. Post-installation, test water hardness within 48 hours to confirm proper system operation.

13. Is Lakewood's water at 17 GPG dangerous to drink?

Lakewood's 17 GPG water hardness poses no direct health threats from calcium and magnesium content. These minerals occur naturally and contribute to dietary mineral intake. The EPA classifies hardness as a secondary (aesthetic) standard rather than a health-based maximum contaminant level. Many bottled waters contain similar or higher mineral concentrations marketed as beneficial.

However, the chloramine disinfectant requires caution for specific populations. Fish owners must use chloramine-specific water conditioners, and dialysis patients need specialized water treatment to prevent serious health complications. For general consumption, Lakewood's treated water meets all federal safety standards.

14. Will a water softener remove chloramine and fluoride from Lakewood's water?

Water softeners remove only calcium and magnesium ions that cause hardness — they do NOT remove chloramine or fluoride. This is a critical distinction many Lakewood residents misunderstand when planning water treatment systems.

Chloramine removal requires catalytic carbon filtration installed before the softener. Fluoride removal requires reverse osmosis systems at drinking water points. The SoftPro Elite HE excels at its designed purpose (hardness removal) but cannot address all contaminants in Lakewood's water profile. Comprehensive treatment requires multiple technologies working together.

15. How much salt will I use per month in Lakewood at 17 GPG?

A properly sized SoftPro Elite HE system serving a 4-person Lakewood household will consume approximately 60-80 pounds of salt monthly. This calculation is based on regenerating every 6-7 days and using 6-8 pounds of salt per regeneration cycle.

Annual salt costs range from $120-180 using high-quality evaporated pellets. While this seems significant, it represents a fraction of the $1,500+ annual "hardness tax" Lakewood households pay through appliance damage, energy waste, and soap overuse without treatment. The salt investment pays for itself within 2-3 months of installation.

16. Does Lakewood require a permit to install a water softener?

Lakewood requires licensed plumber installation but typically does not require separate permits for residential water softener systems. The work falls under the plumber's license and standard plumbing code compliance. However, installation must meet Los Angeles County codes for backflow prevention and proper drainage connections.

Some homeowners associations in newer Lakewood developments have restrictions on water treatment equipment placement. Check HOA covenants before installation to ensure garage or utility room placement complies with community standards. Most installations proceed without complications when handled by experienced local contractors.

17. Why does soft water feel slippery in the shower after installing a softener?

The slippery sensation results from your skin's natural oils remaining intact instead of being stripped away by calcium and magnesium ions. At Lakewood's 17 GPG hardness, mineral ions bind with soap and natural skin oils, leaving a tight, "squeaky clean" feeling that many residents mistake for thorough cleansing.

Soft water allows soaps and shampoos to work properly, creating rich lather without fighting mineral interference. The slippery feeling indicates your skin retains its natural protective moisture barrier — a healthier condition than the mineral-stripped sensation of hard water. Most Lakewood residents adjust to the difference within 2-3 weeks and report improved skin comfort afterward.

Final Verdict for Lakewood Homeowners

Lakewood's 17 GPG water hardness represents one of California's most challenging residential water conditions — a mineral concentration that demands immediate, comprehensive treatment to prevent costly home damage. The classification "extremely hard" isn't hyperbole when applied to water that can reduce appliance efficiency by 35% within 18 months and force households to quadruple their soap and detergent purchases.

The presence of chloramine and fluoride compounds Lakewood's water complexity beyond simple hardness treatment. While these disinfection and dental health additives serve important municipal purposes, they require homeowners to think strategically about comprehensive water treatment rather than assuming any single system addresses all concerns.

The SoftPro Elite HE Water Softener emerges as the optimal choice for Lakewood because its demand-initiated regeneration handles 17 GPG efficiently, its certified performance guarantees deliver results under extreme conditions, and its 10-year warranty provides protection during the most demanding operational period. For Lakewood's mineral-rich environment, this isn't about water quality preference — it's about infrastructure protection that pays for itself through prevented appliance damage and operational savings.

Check current SoftPro Elite HE pricing and available grain capacities for your Lakewood household size. The 48K model suits most 3-4 person homes, while larger families should consider the 64K option for optimal regeneration scheduling. Every month of delay costs approximately $127 in continued damage, energy waste, and soap overuse — making immediate action the most economical choice.

From the Lakewood Center's bustling retail district to the quiet residential streets near Mayfair Park, every home deserves protection from the silent appliance killer flowing through municipal pipes at 17 grains per gallon.