Best Water Softener for Phoenix, AZ — 17 Things to Know BEFORE You Buy!

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

1. The Local Water Problem in Phoenix, Arizona

Your Phoenix water heater is dying twice as fast as it should, and you probably don't even know it. At 12.3 grains per gallon (GPG), Phoenix water hardness ranks in the "very hard" category — a level that transforms every water-using appliance in your home into a ticking financial time bomb. This isn't dramatic language; it's engineering reality backed by manufacturer warranty data and city utility reports.

Phoenix draws its municipal water primarily from the Salt River Project reservoir system and Colorado River allocations, both of which pass through mineral-rich geological formations before reaching your tap. As this water travels through limestone and calcium-heavy desert substrates, it accumulates dissolved minerals at concentrations that would shock homeowners in softer-water cities. When water contains 12.3 GPG of dissolved calcium and magnesium, every gallon delivers nearly three times the mineral load that appliance manufacturers consider "acceptable" for normal operation.

To understand what 12.3 GPG means in practical terms, imagine your home's plumbing system as a circulatory network. Just as arterial plaque builds up gradually and then causes sudden, catastrophic failure, calcium carbonate scale accumulates invisibly inside your pipes, water heater, and appliances until the day your dishwasher stops draining or your tankless water heater displays an error code. The financial stakes for Phoenix homeowners are measurable: homes with untreated very hard water experience 35-50% shorter appliance lifespans and 20-30% higher energy bills compared to homes with properly softened water.

Phoenix's very hard water classification puts your home's water-using systems under constant mineral stress that compounds daily, monthly, and annually into thousands of dollars of premature replacement costs and efficiency losses.

2. What 12.3 GPG Does to Your Phoenix Home

At 12.3 GPG, calcium carbonate scale doesn't just accumulate gradually — it builds aggressively on every heated surface in your home's water system. Inside a standard 40-gallon electric water heater, this mineral concentration creates a rock-hard scale layer on heating elements within 18-24 months. Phoenix homeowners typically see 25-35% efficiency loss in the first two years of water heater operation, translating to $200-400 annually in wasted electricity costs for an average household.

The scale formation process at 12.3 GPG follows predictable chemistry: when hard water is heated above 140°F, dissolved calcium and magnesium precipitate out of solution and bond to metal surfaces. In Phoenix's climate, where incoming water temperatures can reach 85°F in summer, the temperature differential required for rapid scale formation occurs every time you shower, run the dishwasher, or wash clothes in warm water. Over time, this creates concentric mineral rings inside your pipes that narrow the effective diameter and reduce water flow.

Phoenix homes with galvanized steel plumbing — common in neighborhoods built before 1980 — experience the most dramatic impact from 12.3 GPG water. These pipes can lose 30-40% of their internal diameter within 15-20 years, causing low water pressure, uneven heating, and eventual pipe replacement projects costing $8,000-15,000 for whole-house repiping. Newer copper and PEX systems fare better but still accumulate scale at fixture connections and appliance intake valves.

Appliance manufacturers consistently void warranties when water hardness exceeds 7 GPG without proper treatment — and Phoenix's 12.3 GPG falls well into this danger zone. Tankless water heaters, which are popular in Phoenix for their energy efficiency, are particularly vulnerable to scale-related failure. The narrow heat exchanger passages become completely blocked within 2-3 years at this hardness level, requiring costly descaling service or complete unit replacement.

At 12.3 GPG, the chemical reaction between hard water minerals and soap creates insoluble precipitates that require Phoenix households to use 3-4 times more detergent and soap products compared to soft-water cities. A typical Phoenix family spends an additional $300-500 annually on cleaning products, laundry detergent, and personal care items to achieve the same cleaning results that soft water delivers naturally. This "hard water tax" compounds over decades into thousands of dollars of unnecessary household expenses.

The impact on skin and hair becomes noticeable within weeks of moving to Phoenix from a soft-water city. Calcium and magnesium ions bond to skin proteins and hair follicles, creating a film that blocks moisture absorption and leaves hair feeling coarse and brittle. Phoenix residents with sensitive skin or eczema often report significant improvement after installing a water softener, as the mineral film exacerbates existing skin conditions.

White mineral spots on glassware, shower doors, and bathroom fixtures aren't just cosmetic annoyances at 12.3 GPG — they're permanent etching that cannot be removed once it penetrates the surface. Dishwasher manufacturers specifically warn that water hardness above 10 GPG will void the warranty on the interior glass and stainless steel components due to irreversible mineral etching.

For Phoenix homeowners, the annual "hard water tax" from 12.3 GPG water totals approximately $1,200-1,800 when accounting for increased energy costs, excess soap and detergent purchases, accelerated appliance depreciation, and premature plumbing repairs.

3. Phoenix's Specific Contaminant Profile

Beyond the 12.3 GPG hardness baseline, Phoenix residents are also contending with arsenic, chlorine, and fluoride — each of which interacts with water hardness in its own way. This layered contamination profile means that addressing hardness alone solves only part of Phoenix's water quality challenge.

Arsenic in Phoenix Water

Arsenic enters Phoenix's water supply through natural geological processes as Colorado River water passes through arsenic-bearing rock formations in the southwestern desert. This naturally occurring metalloid dissolves gradually into groundwater and surface water sources, particularly in areas where volcanic activity has deposited arsenic-rich minerals over millions of years. Phoenix's arsenic levels typically range between 2-8 parts per billion (ppb), well below the EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 ppb, but still detectable and concerning to health-conscious residents.

At 12.3 GPG hardness, arsenic becomes more problematic because calcium and magnesium minerals can interfere with certain arsenic removal methods. The high mineral content creates a more complex water chemistry matrix that makes point-of-use treatment more challenging. Phoenix residents often notice a slight metallic taste in their tap water, particularly from kitchen faucets that see heavy use, though arsenic itself is typically tasteless and odorless at these concentrations.

Critical accuracy point: Water softeners do NOT remove arsenic from Phoenix's water supply. The ion exchange resin in softening systems is designed specifically to capture calcium and magnesium ions, not metalloids like arsenic. Phoenix homeowners concerned about arsenic exposure need a dedicated reverse osmosis system at their drinking water tap in addition to whole-house water softening.

Chlorine in Phoenix Water

Phoenix adds chlorine as a primary disinfectant throughout its municipal water distribution system, with concentrations varying seasonally between 1.5-4.0 mg/L depending on demand and pipeline distance from treatment facilities. During Phoenix's summer months when water consumption peaks and temperatures exceed 110°F, chlorine concentrations increase to maintain disinfection effectiveness throughout the extensive distribution network. This creates a stronger chemical taste and odor that residents often notice most prominently in morning showers and evening cooking.

The interaction between chlorine and Phoenix's 12.3 GPG hardness creates an accelerated degradation effect on rubber seals, gaskets, and flexible plumbing connections. Chlorinated hard water is particularly aggressive toward the polymer materials used in dishwasher door seals, washing machine hoses, and toilet tank components. Phoenix homeowners typically see these components fail 40-50% sooner than manufacturers' estimated lifespans.

Chlorine forms disinfection byproducts (DBPs) including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) as it reacts with organic matter in the distribution system. While Phoenix maintains these byproducts well below EPA limits, the combination of chlorine and hard water minerals can create a more complex taste profile that many residents find objectionable. An activated carbon whole-house filter paired with the SoftPro Elite HE effectively addresses chlorine taste and odor while the softener handles mineral removal.

Fluoride in Phoenix Water

Phoenix intentionally adds fluoride to its municipal water supply at approximately 0.7 mg/L, following CDC recommendations for dental health benefits. This fluoridation program has operated consistently since the 1960s, making Phoenix water fluoridated at levels considered optimal by public health authorities. The fluoride addition occurs at the final treatment stage before distribution, ensuring consistent concentrations throughout the city's water system.

Important clarification: Water softeners do NOT remove fluoride from Phoenix's water supply. The ion exchange process targets divalent cations (calcium and magnesium) while fluoride exists as a monovalent anion that passes through softener resin unchanged. Phoenix residents who prefer to reduce fluoride consumption need a reverse osmosis system at their drinking water tap, which can be installed alongside whole-house water softening without conflict.

At Phoenix's fluoride levels of 0.7 mg/L, most residents notice no taste or odor impact, though individuals with heightened chemical sensitivity sometimes detect a slight mineral or medicinal aftertaste. The EPA maximum contaminant level for fluoride is 4.0 mg/L for health protection and 2.0 mg/L for aesthetic concerns, placing Phoenix's intentional fluoridation well within safe operational ranges.

4. Why Most Phoenix Homeowners Pick the Wrong Softener

Phoenix's 12.3 GPG water hardness exposes every weakness in an undersized or poorly chosen water softener within weeks of installation. The most expensive mistake I see Phoenix homeowners make is buying a softener based on upfront price alone, without calculating the grain capacity requirements for very hard water. A 24,000-grain unit that works adequately in a 4 GPG city will be completely overwhelmed by Phoenix water, requiring regeneration every 2-3 days and burning through salt at unsustainable rates.

The second critical error involves confusing water softeners with water filters — a distinction that matters enormously in Phoenix's complex contamination environment. Softeners use ion exchange resin to remove calcium and magnesium (hardness minerals) exclusively. They do NOT reliably remove arsenic, chlorine, or fluoride from Phoenix's water supply. Residents dealing with both 12.3 GPG hardness and concerns about these additional contaminants need a two-stage approach: softening for mineral removal plus dedicated filtration for contaminant reduction.

Mistake three involves ignoring the grain capacity mathematics that determine whether a softener can actually handle Phoenix's mineral load. Here's the formula every Phoenix homeowner needs: [Number of people] × 75 gallons per person per day × 12.3 GPG = daily grain demand. For a 4-person household: 4 × 75 × 12.3 = 3,690 grains consumed daily. Multiply by 7 days = 25,830 grains weekly. Add a 20% buffer for high-usage periods = 31,000 grains minimum capacity for optimal 5-7 day regeneration cycles.

The fourth mistake costs Phoenix homeowners hundreds of dollars annually: overlooking salt efficiency ratings in favor of cheaper units. At 12.3 GPG, any softener regenerates more frequently than it would in a moderate hardness city. An inefficient unit uses 2-3 times more salt than a high-efficiency model like the SoftPro Elite HE. Over 10 years in Phoenix, this efficiency gap compounds into $1,500-2,500 in unnecessary salt costs — far exceeding any upfront savings from buying a cheaper system.

What to Do Next

Test your current water hardness using an at-home test kit to confirm the 12.3 GPG baseline applies to your specific Phoenix neighborhood. Some areas served by different well sources may vary slightly. Calculate your household's exact grain capacity needs using the formula above, and measure the space available for softener installation near your main water line. Contact a licensed Arizona plumber for installation quotes, as proper bypass valve and drain line setup is critical for optimal performance in Phoenix's hard water environment.

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

After evaluating Phoenix's water hardness of 12.3 GPG and the presence of arsenic, chlorine, and fluoride in the local supply, one system consistently rises to the top for Phoenix homeowners: the SoftPro Elite HE Water Softener. This isn't marketing preference — it's engineering compatibility with Arizona's specific water chemistry challenges.

Salt-Based Ion Exchange for 12.3 GPG Performance

Salt-free systems do not actually remove hardness minerals from Phoenix water — they only attempt to change crystal structure through template-assisted crystallization or electromagnetic fields. At 12.3 GPG, these alternative methods cannot prevent scale formation on heating elements, in pipes, or on fixtures. The SoftPro Elite HE uses true cation exchange resin to physically replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions — the only proven method that delivers genuinely soft water at Phoenix's very hard baseline.

The resin bed chemistry works reliably at Phoenix's mineral concentrations because each resin bead is pre-charged with sodium ions that have a weaker ionic bond than the calcium and magnesium in incoming water. When 12.3 GPG water contacts the resin, the stronger divalent minerals displace the weaker sodium, leaving you with soft water containing less than 1 GPG of hardness minerals.

Demand-Initiated Regeneration for Phoenix Efficiency

At 12.3 GPG, softener resin exhausts faster than in moderate hardness cities — making regeneration timing absolutely critical to prevent hard water breakthrough. The SoftPro Elite HE's demand-initiated regeneration (DIR) system uses a digital meter to track actual water usage and mineral removal, regenerating only when the resin bed reaches true exhaustion. This prevents the under-regeneration that allows hard water to slip through, as well as the over-regeneration that wastes salt and water.

For Phoenix households consuming 3,600+ grains daily, DIR regeneration is operationally essential, not just convenient. A timer-based system that regenerates every Wednesday regardless of actual usage will either waste resources during low-consumption periods or allow breakthrough during high-usage weeks when guests visit or landscaping demands increase.

NSF/ANSI Standard 44 Certified Components

NSF certification verifies that the SoftPro's resin, control valve, and brine tank meet performance and materials safety standards for potable water treatment. For Phoenix residents already managing arsenic, chlorine, and fluoride in their municipal supply, knowing the softening process itself doesn't introduce additional contaminants is essential. The certification also validates the system's ability to consistently reduce hardness from 12.3 GPG to under 1 GPG through multiple regeneration cycles.

Grain Capacity Options Matched to Phoenix Households

The SoftPro Elite HE offers 32,000, 48,000, 64,000, and 80,000 grain capacity configurations — allowing Phoenix homeowners to right-size their system for 12.3 GPG consumption. Based on our earlier calculation, a 4-person Phoenix household needs approximately 31,000 grains weekly, making the 48,000-grain model optimal for 5-7 day regeneration cycles. Larger families or homes with high water usage should consider the 64,000-grain option for maximum efficiency.

10-Year Warranty Protection

At Phoenix's 12.3 GPG hardness level, ion exchange resin sees heavy daily mineral exposure that gradually reduces its exchange capacity over time. The SoftPro's 10-year warranty provides Phoenix homeowners with protection during the years of highest hardness stress, when resin degradation is most likely to affect performance. This warranty coverage is particularly valuable given Phoenix's aggressive water chemistry.

Pre-Filter Integration Capability

The SoftPro Elite HE is specifically designed to work downstream of specialized pre-filtration systems that Phoenix homeowners may need for arsenic or chlorine removal. The system's inlet configuration accepts pre-filtered water without voiding warranty coverage, allowing residents to build a comprehensive treatment train: sediment pre-filter → carbon filter for chlorine → SoftPro for hardness → point-of-use RO for arsenic and fluoride at drinking taps.

For Phoenix households dealing with 12.3 GPG of water hardness and the compounding presence of arsenic, chlorine, and fluoride, the SoftPro Elite HE is not a comfort upgrade — it is infrastructure protection for your home.

Homeowner Checklist

Confirm your home's main water line size (typically 3/4" or 1" in Phoenix) and identify the installation location after your main shutoff valve but before the water heater. Verify you have access to a floor drain or utility sink within 20 feet for regeneration discharge. Check your electrical setup — the SoftPro requires a standard 110V outlet near the installation area. Schedule a professional water test to confirm arsenic and chlorine levels if you're considering additional filtration components.

6. How to Size Your Softener for Phoenix

Proper sizing for Phoenix's 12.3 GPG water requires precise calculations that account for both household consumption and local mineral concentration. Undersizing leads to frequent regeneration and salt waste; oversizing wastes money upfront and can cause channeling in oversized resin beds.

Step 1: Count household members (include regular guests who stay more than 2 weeks annually)

Step 2: Multiply by 75 gallons per person per day (Phoenix average including outdoor use)

Step 3: Multiply household gallons × 12.3 GPG = daily grain demand

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

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

Step 6: Match result to SoftPro Elite HE grain tier

Example calculation for a 4-person Phoenix household:

4 people × 75 gallons/day = 300 gallons daily
300 gallons × 12.3 GPG = 3,690 grains daily
3,690 grains × 7 days = 25,830 grains weekly
25,830 + 20% buffer = 31,000 grains needed
Recommendation: 48,000-grain SoftPro Elite HE for optimal 5-6 day regeneration cycles

Phoenix's high summer water usage requires the buffer calculation — July and August consumption often spikes 30-40% above winter levels due to increased showering, pool maintenance, and cooling system demands. A properly sized system handles these seasonal variations without compromising water quality or efficiency.

7. Installation in Phoenix: What to Know

Arizona requires licensed plumber installation for water softeners in most Phoenix municipalities, particularly when work involves modifying the main water line or adding new drainage connections. The installation cost typically runs $300-600 depending on complexity, but professional installation ensures proper bypass valve setup and compliance with local plumbing codes.

Optimal placement puts the SoftPro Elite HE after your main shutoff valve and pressure regulator, but before the water heater and any branch lines to appliances. This ensures all household water passes through the softener while maintaining access for system maintenance and emergency bypass. The unit requires 2-3 feet of clearance on all sides for salt loading and service access.

Phoenix's municipal water pressure typically ranges 45-65 PSI — well within the SoftPro's optimal operating range of 25-80 PSI. Homes in elevated areas like Ahwatukee or North Phoenix may see lower pressure that benefits from a pressure tank installation, while properties near pumping stations occasionally need pressure regulators to prevent damage to the control valve.

The regeneration drain line must connect to a floor drain, utility sink, or approved standpipe — never directly to the sewer without an air gap. Phoenix's plumbing code requires this air gap to prevent backflow contamination. The drain line should slope continuously downward and be secured every 4 feet to prevent sagging or kinking.

At 12.3 GPG hardness, use evaporated salt pellets exclusively in Phoenix installations. Solar salt crystals and rock salt contain impurities that accelerate brine tank residue buildup at very hard water consumption rates. Evaporated pellets cost 15-20% more but deliver cleaner regeneration and longer system life. Plan to check salt levels monthly during summer and every 6-8 weeks during winter months.

8. Maintenance Schedule for Phoenix Homeowners

Phoenix's 12.3 GPG water hardness requires more frequent maintenance attention than moderate hardness cities due to accelerated mineral cycling through the resin bed. Following this schedule prevents performance degradation and extends system life in Arizona's challenging water environment.

Monthly Tasks:

Check salt level in the brine tank — consumption averages 40-60 pounds monthly for a typical Phoenix household at 12.3 GPG. Look for salt bridges, which appear as a hard crust above the water line that prevents proper brine mixing. Confirm the bypass valve remains in the "service" position unless maintenance is actively underway.

Every 3 Months:

Clean the brine tank by removing undissolved salt residue and wiping down interior walls with warm water. Test post-softener water hardness using test strips — properly functioning systems maintain under 1 GPG output regardless of Phoenix's 12.3 GPG input. If hardness creeps above 1 GPG, the resin may need cleaning or the regeneration schedule requires adjustment.

Every 6 Months:

Inspect and clean the control valve screen filter if equipped. Phoenix's mineral-heavy water can cause fine sediment accumulation that restricts flow. Check all plumbing connections for mineral buildup or corrosion, particularly at the bypass valve and drain line connections.

Annual Maintenance:

Perform complete brine tank cleaning with resin bed performance evaluation. At 12.3 GPG consumption rates, resin efficiency typically begins declining after 7-8 years of service, requiring more frequent regeneration to maintain soft water output. Clean the venturi valve assembly in the control head to ensure proper brine suction during regeneration cycles.

Every 5 Years:

Professional resin replacement evaluation becomes critical in Phoenix's very hard water environment. Resin beads exposed to 12.3 GPG concentrations daily show measurable capacity loss faster than in soft-water cities, potentially requiring replacement at 8-10 years instead of the typical 10-15 year lifespan.

Phoenix residents should establish baseline hardness readings before installation and retest quarterly to track system performance over time — early detection of capacity loss prevents hard water damage to appliances and fixtures.

30-Day Action Plan

Week 1: Test your water hardness and identify installation location. Order a professional water analysis if you suspect additional contaminants beyond the typical Phoenix profile. Week 2: Get installation quotes from 3 licensed Arizona plumbers and confirm electrical and drainage requirements. Week 3: Calculate your exact grain capacity needs and research SoftPro Elite HE models. Week 4: Purchase and schedule installation, ensuring you have proper salt type and initial supplies ready.

9. Is Phoenix's water at 12.3 GPG dangerous to drink?

Phoenix's 12.3 GPG hardness level is not dangerous to drink from a health perspective — calcium and magnesium are essential minerals that many people actually take as dietary supplements. The EPA has no maximum limit for water hardness because these minerals pose no health risks at any concentration found in municipal water supplies. However, very hard water does cause significant infrastructure damage, appliance failure, and increased household costs that justify treatment for economic rather than health reasons.

10. Will a water softener remove arsenic from Phoenix water?

No, standard ion exchange water softeners do NOT remove arsenic from Phoenix's water supply. Softener resin is designed specifically to capture calcium and magnesium ions, while arsenic exists as a different type of contaminant requiring specialized media like activated alumina or reverse osmosis membranes. Phoenix homeowners concerned about arsenic need a dedicated point-of-use RO system for drinking water in addition to whole-house softening for hardness control.

11. How much salt will I use per month in Phoenix at 12.3 GPG?

A typical 4-person Phoenix household consumes approximately 45-65 pounds of salt monthly with a properly sized SoftPro Elite HE handling 12.3 GPG water. This equals about $15-25 monthly in salt costs using high-quality evaporated pellets. Consumption increases during summer months when water usage spikes for pools, landscaping, and additional showers. Inefficient or undersized systems can double these consumption rates.

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

Most Phoenix installations require a plumbing permit when modifying the main water line or adding new drainage connections, though simple replacement of existing softeners may qualify for exemption. Licensed plumbers typically handle permit applications as part of their installation service. Contact Phoenix's Development Services Department at (602) 262-7811 for specific permit requirements based on your installation scope and property type.

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

Soft water feels slippery because it allows soap to work as chemically intended — without calcium and magnesium ions interfering with lather formation. In Phoenix's 12.3 GPG hard water, minerals react with soap to form sticky scum that actually provides "grip" sensation. Soft water eliminates this scum formation, allowing soap's natural lubricating properties to emerge. Most Phoenix residents adjust to the feeling within 2-3 weeks and prefer the improved hair and skin condition.

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

Phoenix homeowners typically notice immediate improvements in soap lather and reduced spotting on dishes within 24 hours of SoftPro installation. Existing scale removal takes longer — expect 3-6 months for gradual dissolution of mineral buildup in water heaters and pipes. Skin and hair improvements usually appear within 1-2 weeks as the calcium film washes away. Energy efficiency gains become measurable on utility bills within 2-3 months as scale stops accumulating on heating elements.

15. Can the SoftPro Elite HE handle Phoenix water without additional filtration?

The SoftPro Elite HE effectively handles Phoenix's 12.3 GPG hardness without additional equipment, delivering consistent soft water output under 1 GPG. However, for arsenic reduction, chlorine taste/odor improvement, or fluoride removal, Phoenix residents need companion systems: carbon filtration for chlorine, reverse osmosis for arsenic and fluoride. The SoftPro integrates well with these additional treatment stages when comprehensive water improvement is desired.

16. What's the total cost of ownership for 10 years in Phoenix?

Total 10-year ownership costs for a SoftPro Elite HE in Phoenix include the initial system ($1,200-1,800), professional installation ($400-600), salt ($1,800-2,500), electricity ($200-300), and maintenance ($300-500), totaling approximately $3,900-5,700. This investment typically saves $8,000-12,000 in avoided appliance damage, energy waste, and excess soap costs over the same period at Phoenix's 12.3 GPG hardness level.

17. Final Verdict for Phoenix

Phoenix's water hardness of 12.3 GPG demands commercial-grade treatment capability in a residential package. The additional presence of arsenic, chlorine, and fluoride compounds the complexity, requiring homeowners to think systematically about water treatment rather than hoping a basic softener will solve everything.

The SoftPro Elite HE rises above other systems for Phoenix applications because of its demand-initiated regeneration that prevents hard water breakthrough at high GPG consumption rates, its NSF-certified resin that maintains performance under mineral stress, and its integration capability with the pre- and post-filtration systems that Phoenix's complex water profile often requires.

For Phoenix homeowners, this isn't about water preference — it's about infrastructure protection. Every month you delay proper water treatment at 12.3 GPG hardness costs money in accelerated appliance wear, increased energy consumption, and wasted soap products. The SoftPro Elite HE represents the engineering solution that matches Phoenix's specific water chemistry challenges.

Check current SoftPro Elite HE pricing and available grain capacities for Phoenix households — the 48,000-grain model handles most 4-person homes optimally, while larger families should consider the 64,000-grain configuration. Professional installation ensures optimal performance and warranty protection in Arizona's demanding water environment.

Like the Camelback Mountain that defines Phoenix's skyline, some challenges require the right equipment and proper planning to conquer successfully — and 12.3 GPG water hardness is no exception.