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

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

1. The Local Water Problem in Scottsdale, AZ

If you live in Scottsdale and your water heater is less than five years old but already struggling with efficiency, you're experiencing the financial reality of 12.8 GPG water hardness. This isn't a minor inconvenience—it's costing you thousands of dollars annually in energy waste, appliance replacement, and soap consumption that could otherwise stay in your wallet.

Scottsdale's water hardness of 12.8 grains per gallon falls squarely into the "extremely hard" classification, meaning every gallon flowing through your pipes carries 219 milligrams of dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals. To put this in perspective using compound interest: these minerals accumulate in your plumbing system like debt, with each day adding more deposits that multiply the damage over time. What starts as invisible mineral content becomes visible scale, reduced water flow, and appliance failure.

The Salt River Project and Central Arizona Project supply most of Scottsdale's water, drawing from the Colorado River and Salt River systems that naturally pick up minerals as they flow through limestone and gypsum formations across Arizona's geological landscape. This means Scottsdale's extremely hard water isn't a treatment plant issue—it's geography. The mineral content is consistent, predictable, and unavoidable without home treatment.

For Scottsdale homeowners, 12.8 GPG creates compound damage that accelerates every month. Your tankless water heater manufacturer likely voids the warranty without a softener at this hardness level. Your dishwasher's heating element develops scale rings that reduce efficiency by 15-30% within the first year. Even your skin and hair feel the difference—calcium ions strip natural oils and leave residue that soap can't fully rinse away in extremely hard water.

The emotional stakes extend beyond monthly utility bills. Scottsdale's competitive real estate market means homes with obvious hard water damage—etched glass shower doors, mineral-stained fixtures, premature appliance replacement—lose value quickly. Buyers recognize these symptoms and factor thousands in immediate replacement costs into their offers.

2. What 12.8 GPG Does to Your Home

At 12.8 GPG, calcium carbonate doesn't just coat your water heater's heating elements—it forms thick, insulating layers that can reduce efficiency by 25-35% within 18 months. This happens because extremely hard water carries so many dissolved minerals that heating causes rapid precipitation and crystallization on any hot surface.

Your water heater becomes a mineral laboratory working against you. Each time the heating element cycles on, calcium and magnesium ions bond to the metal surface and to each other, creating concentric rings of scale that grow thicker with each heating cycle. A 40-gallon electric water heater in Scottsdale typically shows measurable efficiency loss within 8-12 months, compared to 3-5 years in soft water cities. Gas units fare slightly better because the heat transfer is less direct, but the tank itself still accumulates sediment that reduces capacity and increases heating time.

Scottsdale's older neighborhoods with galvanized steel pipes face the most aggressive timeline. At 12.8 GPG, these pipes develop measurable diameter reduction within 5-7 years as calcium deposits form on interior walls. Copper pipes last longer but still show reduced flow at fixture endpoints after 8-12 years. PEX piping resists scale buildup on the pipe walls but doesn't protect the fixtures and appliances downstream.

Appliance manufacturers design their products for "average" water conditions, typically 3-5 GPG. Scottsdale's 12.8 GPG pushes every water-using appliance far beyond design specifications. Dishwashers develop white film on glassware that becomes permanent etching—this is actual mineral scratching that cannot be reversed. Washing machines use 2-3 times more detergent to achieve basic cleaning because calcium and magnesium ions bind with soap molecules before they can lift dirt from fabric.

Coffee makers, ice makers, and steam appliances fail fastest in extremely hard water. The small orifices and heating chambers in these devices clog with mineral deposits within months. Tankless water heater manufacturers specifically void warranties in areas above 7 GPG without water softening—Scottsdale's 12.8 GPG makes this protection essential, not optional.

The soap and detergent waste at 12.8 GPG creates a measurable "hard water tax" for Scottsdale households. Calcium and magnesium react with soap to form insoluble scum instead of cleaning lather, requiring 3-4 times normal amounts to achieve basic cleaning. For a typical Scottsdale family, this translates to $200-350 annually in extra soap, shampoo, detergent, and cleaning products—money that disappears down the drain as mineral waste.

Your skin and hair bear the physical impact of 12.8 GPG daily. Calcium ions have an electrical charge that attracts moisture away from skin cells, while mineral deposits coat hair shafts and prevent conditioning agents from penetrating. Dermatologists in Phoenix and Scottsdale report higher rates of eczema and skin sensitivity complaints, particularly during Arizona's dry winter months when hard water compounds natural moisture loss.

The annual hard water cost for a Scottsdale household at 12.8 GPG typically ranges from $1,200-2,000 when you factor energy inefficiency, accelerated appliance replacement, soap waste, and increased maintenance. This isn't including the major appliances—water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines—that need replacement 40-60% sooner in extremely hard water conditions.

3. Scottsdale's Specific Contaminant Profile

Beyond the 12.8 GPG baseline hardness, Scottsdale residents also contend with chlorine, fluoride, and arsenic—each of which interacts with water hardness in its own problematic way. Understanding these contaminants individually helps Scottsdale homeowners make informed treatment decisions.

Chlorine in Scottsdale's Water

Scottsdale adds chlorine as a disinfectant throughout the municipal distribution system, with concentrations varying seasonally. During Arizona's hot summer months, chlorine levels increase to combat bacterial growth in the extensive pipe network that serves the rapidly expanding East Valley. This chlorine enters Scottsdale's water supply as a necessary treatment chemical, not a contaminant, but it creates secondary problems for residents.

At 12.8 GPG hardness, chlorine interacts with calcium deposits to accelerate corrosion of rubber seals, gaskets, and fixtures throughout your plumbing system. The combination of chlorine and mineral deposits creates an aggressive environment that degrades plumbing components faster than either issue alone. Scottsdale homeowners often notice stronger chlorine taste and odor in summer months, along with the characteristic "swimming pool" smell that indicates active disinfection.

Chlorine levels in Scottsdale typically remain well below the EPA maximum of 4.0 mg/L, but the taste and odor threshold is much lower—around 0.5-1.0 mg/L for most people. The SoftPro Elite HE water softener alone does not remove chlorine, so Scottsdale residents concerned about taste, odor, or the interaction with hard water deposits should consider an activated carbon whole-house filter paired with the softening system.

Fluoride in Scottsdale's Water

Scottsdale intentionally adds fluoride at approximately 0.7 mg/L as a public health measure, following CDC recommendations for dental health. This fluoride enters the water supply at the treatment plant as a controlled addition, not from natural geological sources. The practice has been standard in Scottsdale for decades and remains consistent year-round.

Fluoride does not interact chemically with calcium and magnesium hardness minerals, so the 12.8 GPG does not amplify fluoride-related concerns. However, it's important for Scottsdale residents to understand that water softeners do not remove fluoride—the ion exchange process only targets hardness minerals. Residents who prefer to remove fluoride from drinking water need a reverse osmosis system at the kitchen tap in addition to whole-house softening.

Fluoride levels in Scottsdale remain well below the EPA maximum contaminant level of 4.0 mg/L and the secondary standard of 2.0 mg/L. The intentional addition is carefully controlled and monitored, making fluoride removal a personal preference rather than a safety necessity for most Scottsdale households.

Arsenic in Scottsdale's Water

Arsenic occurs naturally in Arizona's groundwater due to geological formations throughout the region, and Scottsdale's water supply occasionally shows detectable levels. This arsenic enters the water supply from natural deposits in rock and soil, not from industrial contamination. Arizona's Basin and Range geology creates conditions where arsenic leaches from volcanic rock and sedimentary deposits into groundwater aquifers.

Arsenic does not interact directly with the 12.8 GPG hardness minerals, but both issues require separate treatment approaches. This is a critical point for Scottsdale residents: water softeners do not remove arsenic. The ion exchange resin in softening systems only captures calcium and magnesium—arsenic passes through unchanged.

The EPA maximum contaminant level for arsenic is 10 parts per billion (ppb), and Scottsdale's levels typically remain below this threshold due to blending of source waters and treatment processes. However, long-term exposure to arsenic above the EPA limit has been linked to increased health risks, making accurate water testing important for Scottsdale homeowners. Residents with arsenic concerns should install a reverse osmosis system at their drinking water tap in addition to whole-house water softening.

4. Why Most Scottsdale Homeowners Pick the Wrong Softener

After reviewing hundreds of failed softener installations across Scottsdale, four mistakes account for nearly 80% of homeowner dissatisfaction—and every mistake stems from underestimating what 12.8 GPG extremely hard water demands from a treatment system.

Mistake 1: Buying on Price Alone

A 24,000-grain softener that works adequately in a 3 GPG city will fail a Scottsdale household in less than a week. At 12.8 GPG, resin exhaustion happens 4 times faster than in soft water areas. Scottsdale families who buy undersized units based on "good deals" find themselves with hard water breakthrough every 2-3 days, constant regeneration cycles, and salt consumption that makes the initial savings meaningless.

The math is unforgiving: a 4-person Scottsdale household needs approximately 3,840 grains of capacity per day. A 24,000-grain unit provides only 6 days of treatment before regeneration—but this assumes perfect efficiency, which never happens in real-world conditions. Factor in iron, sediment, and normal resin degradation, and you're regenerating every 4-5 days, using excessive salt and water.

Mistake 2: Confusing Softeners with Filters

Scottsdale residents often assume one system will address both the 12.8 GPG hardness and the chlorine, fluoride, and arsenic in their water supply. Water softeners use ion exchange resin that specifically targets calcium and magnesium. They do not reliably remove chlorine (taste and odor), they do not remove fluoride (requires reverse osmosis), and they do not remove arsenic (also requires reverse osmosis or specialized media).

Scottsdale homeowners dealing with both extremely hard water and these additional contaminants need a systematic approach: softening for hardness protection, activated carbon for chlorine, and point-of-use reverse osmosis for arsenic or fluoride concerns at drinking water taps.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Grain Capacity Math

The sizing formula for Scottsdale's 12.8 GPG is non-negotiable:

4 people × 75 gallons/day × 12.8 GPG = 3,840 grains per day

3,840 grains × 7 days = 26,880 grains per week

Add 20% buffer for high-usage days = 32,256 grains minimum capacity

This means Scottsdale households need at least a 32,000-grain system, with 48,000 grains being the sweet spot for optimal 5-7 day regeneration cycles. Attempting to save money with smaller capacity creates a cycle of inefficiency, excessive salt use, and premature system failure.

Mistake 4: Overlooking Salt Efficiency

At 12.8 GPG, your softener regenerates 2-3 times more often than systems in soft water cities. An inefficient unit that uses 15 pounds of salt per regeneration versus a high-efficiency model using 8 pounds creates dramatic cost differences over time. In Scottsdale, where regeneration happens every 5-7 days, the annual salt difference can exceed 500-800 pounds—hundreds of dollars annually in just salt costs.

Over a 10-year lifespan, salt efficiency at Scottsdale's hardness level compounds into $1,500-2,500 in total operating cost differences between efficient and inefficient systems.

5. What to Do Next

Before shopping for any water treatment system, Scottsdale homeowners should take these three immediate actions:

First, test your water's exact hardness level at the main water line. While Scottsdale averages 12.8 GPG, individual neighborhoods can vary from 11-15 GPG depending on source water blending and seasonal changes. Use this exact number for sizing calculations.

Second, identify which contaminants matter most to your household. If chlorine taste bothers you, factor in carbon filtration costs. If you have concerns about arsenic or fluoride, budget for point-of-use reverse osmosis at drinking water taps.

Third, calculate your household's actual daily water usage for 1-2 weeks. The standard 75 gallons per person assumes normal usage, but Scottsdale's desert climate and pool-friendly lifestyle often pushes consumption higher. Accurate usage data prevents undersizing.

6. Homeowner Checklist

Use this checklist to avoid the four common mistakes that cost Scottsdale homeowners thousands in repairs and replacements:

✓ Calculate grain capacity using your exact household size and confirmed GPG level

✓ Verify the system includes demand-initiated regeneration for salt efficiency

✓ Confirm NSF/ANSI Standard 44 certification for performance verification

✓ Plan for separate treatment if chlorine, arsenic, or fluoride removal is important

✓ Budget for professional installation including drain line and electrical connections

✓ Research local water softener installation permit requirements in Scottsdale

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

After evaluating Scottsdale's water hardness of 12.8 GPG and the presence of chlorine, fluoride, and arsenic in the local supply, one system consistently rises to the top for Scottsdale homeowners: the SoftPro Elite HE Water Softener.

This recommendation isn't based on marketing claims—it's the logical engineering solution to the specific challenges that 12.8 GPG extremely hard water creates for Arizona households. Every feature of the SoftPro Elite HE directly addresses problems that Scottsdale residents experience daily.

Salt-Based Ion Exchange for True Hardness Removal

Salt-free systems do not actually remove hardness minerals—they only attempt to change crystal structure through template-assisted crystallization or electromagnetic fields. At 12.8 GPG, these approaches cannot prevent scale formation because the mineral load exceeds their physical capacity to alter crystal behavior. Scottsdale homeowners need genuine mineral removal, not crystal modification.

The SoftPro Elite HE uses true cation exchange resin that physically replaces calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. This is the only proven method for delivering genuinely soft water at Scottsdale's extremely hard baseline. The resin captures hardness minerals and releases them during regeneration, providing consistent 0-1 GPG treated water regardless of input hardness.

Demand-Initiated Regeneration for Arizona Efficiency

At 12.8 GPG, resin capacity exhausts faster than in moderate hardness cities, making regeneration timing critical for both performance and efficiency. Timer-based systems regenerate on schedule regardless of actual usage, leading to hard water breakthrough during high-demand periods or wasteful over-regeneration during low-usage times.

The SoftPro Elite HE monitors actual water usage and resin capacity in real-time, regenerating only when the resin bed approaches exhaustion. For Scottsdale households where regeneration happens every 5-7 days, demand-initiated regeneration prevents hard water breakthrough while minimizing salt and water waste during Arizona's drought conditions.

NSF/ANSI Standard 44 Certified Components

Certification verifies that the resin meets strict performance standards for hardness removal and materials safety standards for drinking water contact. For Scottsdale residents already managing chlorine, fluoride, and arsenic in their water supply, knowing the softening process itself doesn't introduce additional contaminants provides important peace of mind.

NSF/ANSI Standard 44 requires independent testing of hardness removal efficiency, structural integrity, and materials safety. This certification ensures the SoftPro Elite HE will perform consistently at Scottsdale's 12.8 GPG hardness level throughout its warranty period.

Multiple Grain Capacity Options

The SoftPro Elite HE offers 32,000, 48,000, 64,000, and 80,000-grain capacity options, allowing precise sizing for Scottsdale's extremely hard water conditions. Using the established sizing formula:

4-person household: 4 × 75 × 12.8 = 3,840 grains daily

Weekly demand with 20% buffer: 32,256 grains minimum

This calculation points to the 48,000-grain SoftPro Elite HE as the optimal choice for most Scottsdale families, providing 7-day regeneration cycles with comfortable capacity buffer for high-usage periods. Larger households or those with pools, landscaping systems, or other high-demand applications should consider the 64,000-grain option.

10-Year System Warranty

At 12.8 GPG, softener resin experiences heavy daily mineral loading that accelerates wear compared to moderate hardness applications. The SoftPro Elite HE's 10-year warranty provides Scottsdale homeowners with protection during the years when extremely hard water puts maximum stress on system components.

This warranty coverage includes the control valve, resin tank, and internal components—the elements most likely to require service in high-hardness applications like Scottsdale's water conditions.

8. Recommended Setup for Scottsdale

Based on Scottsdale's specific water profile, here's the optimal whole-house treatment configuration for most households:

Primary System: SoftPro Elite HE Water Softener (48,000-grain capacity) for hardness removal from 12.8 GPG to under 1 GPG throughout the home.

Chlorine Treatment: Whole-house activated carbon filter upstream of the softener to remove chlorine taste, odor, and protect softener resin from chlorine degradation over time.

Drinking Water: Under-sink reverse osmosis system at kitchen tap for arsenic and fluoride removal, plus improved taste for drinking and cooking water.

This three-stage approach addresses every contaminant in Scottsdale's water supply using the appropriate technology for each issue. The softener handles the primary hardness problem, carbon removes chlorine, and point-of-use RO provides the highest quality drinking water without over-treating water used for landscaping, laundry, and general household purposes.

9. How to Size Your Softener for Scottsdale

Proper sizing for Scottsdale's 12.8 GPG requires precise calculation—guessing leads to undersized systems that fail within months. Follow these steps using your exact household data:

Step 1: Count actual household members (include frequent guests who stay multiple days per week)

Step 2: Multiply by 75 gallons per person per day (Arizona's climate may push this to 85-90 gallons in summer months)

Step 3: Multiply household gallons × 12.8 GPG = daily grain demand

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

Step 5: Add 20% buffer for high-usage days, guests, and system efficiency

Step 6: Match result to SoftPro Elite HE grain capacity options

Here's the calculation for a 4-person Scottsdale household:

4 people × 75 gallons = 300 gallons daily

300 gallons × 12.8 GPG = 3,840 grains daily

3,840 grains × 7 days = 26,880 grains weekly

26,880 + 20% buffer = 32,256 grains minimum capacity

Result: 48,000-grain SoftPro Elite HE provides optimal performance with regeneration every 7-8 days under normal usage.

10. Installation in Scottsdale: What to Know

Scottsdale requires licensed plumbers for water softener installation that involves new plumbing connections, but homeowners can legally install units with existing bypass connections themselves. Most installations require new plumbing work, making professional installation the practical choice for most residents.

Proper placement is critical for Arizona conditions: install after the main shutoff valve but before the water heater, with a bypass loop that allows water flow during maintenance. The system needs a drain line within 20 feet for regeneration discharge—Scottsdale's landscaping-friendly residents often direct this to established plants that benefit from the mineral-rich brine water.

Scottsdale's typical municipal water pressure ranges from 45-65 PSI, which suits the SoftPro Elite HE's operating requirements perfectly. Higher elevations in North Scottsdale may experience lower pressure that requires a booster pump, while lower elevations rarely need pressure reduction.

At 12.8 GPG hardness levels, use only evaporated salt pellets—highest purity, lowest brine tank residue. Solar salt crystals contain impurities that accumulate faster in high-regeneration systems like those required for Scottsdale's extremely hard water. The extra cost of evaporated pellets pays for itself in reduced maintenance and longer system life.

Check salt levels every 2-3 weeks initially, then monthly once you understand your household's consumption pattern. At 12.8 GPG with weekly regeneration, expect 15-25 pounds of salt consumption per regeneration cycle depending on system size and efficiency.

11. Maintenance Schedule for Scottsdale Homeowners

Scottsdale's 12.8 GPG extremely hard water requires more frequent maintenance than moderate hardness areas—but following this schedule prevents costly repairs and ensures consistent performance.

Monthly Tasks:

Check salt level and maintain 3-4 inches above water level in brine tank. At 12.8 GPG, salt consumption is high—running empty causes immediate hard water breakthrough. Inspect for salt bridges (hardened crust above water line that blocks regeneration). Verify bypass valve remains in service position unless maintenance is in progress.

Every 3 Months:

Clean brine tank interior to remove sediment and salt residue that accumulates faster in high-regeneration systems. Test post-softener water hardness with test strips—should read 0-1 GPG consistently. If hardness exceeds 1 GPG, resin may need cleaning or regeneration settings may need adjustment.

Annually:

Complete brine tank cleaning with hot water and mild detergent to remove mineral buildup. Conduct full resin bed performance evaluation—if post-softener hardness creeps above 1 GPG despite proper regeneration, consider resin cleaner treatment. Audit regeneration cycle timing and salt dose to ensure settings match current household usage patterns.

Every 5 Years:

Professional resin replacement evaluation becomes important in extremely hard water applications. At 12.8 GPG, resin degrades faster than in soft water cities due to heavy daily mineral loading. Monitor output quality and consider resin replacement if efficiency drops noticeably despite proper maintenance.

Scottsdale-Specific Tip: Order a baseline water test kit, establish hardness readings before installation, and retest 30 days after system startup to confirm the SoftPro Elite HE is delivering consistent soft water throughout your home.

12. 30-Day Action Plan

Here's your step-by-step timeline for solving Scottsdale's hard water problems:

Week 1: Test current water hardness, calculate exact grain capacity needs, and research local installation requirements and costs.

Week 2: Get quotes from licensed Scottsdale plumbers, verify drain line routing options, and determine optimal system placement in your home.

Week 3: Order SoftPro Elite HE system, schedule installation, and purchase initial salt supply (evaporated pellets only for 12.8 GPG).

Week 4: Complete installation, test system performance, and establish baseline maintenance schedule for Arizona conditions.

13. Frequently Asked Questions for Scottsdale Residents

13. Is Scottsdale's water at 12.8 GPG dangerous to drink?

No—12.8 GPG hardness levels are not dangerous for consumption and actually provide dietary calcium and magnesium. The health concerns with extremely hard water are indirect: skin and hair drying, soap inefficiency, and the appliance damage that creates expensive repairs. The EPA doesn't regulate hardness as a health issue because minerals themselves aren't harmful to drink.

14. Will a water softener remove chlorine, fluoride, and arsenic from Scottsdale's water?

Water softeners only remove calcium and magnesium hardness minerals—they do not remove chlorine, fluoride, or arsenic. Scottsdale residents need activated carbon filtration for chlorine and reverse osmosis systems for arsenic or fluoride removal. The SoftPro Elite HE can be combined with these technologies but doesn't replace them.

15. How much salt will I use per month in Scottsdale at 12.8 GPG?

A typical 4-person Scottsdale household will use approximately 60-80 pounds of salt monthly. This assumes weekly regeneration cycles with a properly sized 48,000-grain system. Undersized systems regenerate more frequently and use proportionally more salt, while oversized systems are more efficient but have higher upfront costs.

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

Scottsdale requires permits for plumbing work that involves new connections to the main water line, but simple appliance replacement on existing connections typically doesn't need permits. Most softener installations require some new plumbing work, so check with Scottsdale's Development Services Department before installation. Licensed plumbers typically handle permit requirements as part of their service.

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

Soft water feels slippery because your skin's natural oils aren't being stripped away by calcium ions, and soap actually rinses clean instead of leaving mineral residue. After years of 12.8 GPG water, this clean feeling seems unusual. Most Scottsdale residents adjust within 2-3 weeks and report significantly improved skin and hair condition.

18. How quickly will I see results after installing a softener in Scottsdale?

Immediate results include better soap lather, cleaner dishes, and softer laundry within the first week. Appliance efficiency improvements take 30-60 days to become noticeable on utility bills. Skin and hair improvements typically appear within 2-3 weeks of consistent soft water use. Existing scale deposits stop growing immediately but don't reverse without manual cleaning.

19. Can the SoftPro Elite HE handle Scottsdale's water without a separate filter?

The SoftPro Elite HE will effectively reduce Scottsdale's 12.8 GPG hardness to under 1 GPG throughout your home. However, it won't address chlorine taste and odor, and it won't remove arsenic or fluoride. Most Scottsdale homeowners benefit from adding activated carbon filtration for chlorine and point-of-use reverse osmosis for drinking water quality, but the softener alone solves the primary hardness problems.

20. Final Verdict for Scottsdale

Scottsdale's hardness of 12.8 GPG demands professional-grade treatment, not consumer-level solutions. This extremely hard water classification puts every appliance, fixture, and plumbing component under daily mineral stress that accelerates wear, reduces efficiency, and increases operating costs measurably.

The presence of chlorine, fluoride, and arsenic compounds the hardness problem in specific ways: chlorine accelerates corrosion when combined with scale deposits, while arsenic and fluoride require separate treatment technologies that most homeowners need at the drinking water tap. The SoftPro Elite HE Water Softener addresses the primary hardness challenge effectively because its demand-initiated regeneration prevents hard water breakthrough during Scottsdale's high-mineral conditions, its NSF-certified resin delivers consistent performance at extreme hardness levels, and its 48,000-grain capacity matches the calculated demands of a typical Scottsdale household perfectly.

For Scottsdale residents tired of replacing appliances ahead of schedule, scrubbing mineral deposits that reappear weekly, and paying the hidden costs of extremely hard water, the SoftPro Elite HE represents infrastructure protection for your home. Check current SoftPro Elite HE pricing and available grain capacities for Scottsdale households—the system pays for itself through energy savings, appliance life extension, and reduced maintenance costs within 2-3 years of installation.

After all, in a city where residents pride themselves on maintaining pristine desert landscaping and luxury home features, your water treatment system should deliver the same attention to detail that makes Scottsdale's Camelback Mountain views worth protecting.