The short answer
Dixon water is hard. The City of Dixon's 2024 report gives an average of 163 parts per million, or about 9.5 grains per gallon. Whether you need a softener depends on how much scale bothers you and how much value you place on protecting appliances.
A softener is optional, not required. The data below helps you decide. Our water softener installation page covers how we set one up.
Dixon's 2024 numbers
These figures come from the City of Dixon's 2024 water quality report.
Dixon compared with Davis and Vacaville
Source type: 2024 water quality reports from Dixon, Davis and Vacaville.The City of Davis reported a weighted average of 66 parts per million in 2024, down from 306 in 2015. Most Davis homes now see far less scale. The City of Vacaville reported averages from 163 to 177 parts per million depending on source, close to Dixon.
The City of Dixon's report also notes hexavalent chromium above the state limit of 10 parts per billion in source water, with a pilot treatment study under way. A softener targets hardness and is not designed to treat chromium. For that topic, ask the City of Dixon water operations office at (707) 678-7050.
The U.S. Geological Survey scale calls 121 to 180 parts per million hard and above 180 very hard. Dixon's 163 average is hard, and the city's 190 high is very hard.
Want help deciding?
Call and describe the scale you see. A same-day appointment is offered when available.
Reasons for and against a softener
Weigh the benefits against the upkeep.
Reasons to install one
- Scale on faucets, showerheads and glass.
- Protection for the water heater and appliances.
- Softer feeling water in the shower.
- Less soap needed for laundry.
Reasons to wait
- You rent or plan to move soon.
- Only one fixture shows scale.
- You do not want to buy salt and service the unit.
- You prefer to flush the water heater on a schedule.
What scale does in a home
Scale builds on heating elements, in tank bottoms and inside faucets and shower valves. It makes appliances work harder and cuts the service life of parts. The Department of Energy says storage water heaters last 10 to 15 years, and scale is a known reason some units wear out sooner.
Regular flushing of the tank and cleaning of aerators reduces the effect without a softener. If you see heavy scale, a softener is the broader fix. See water heater repair for related service.
Testing hardness at home
You do not have to guess. Simple test strips from a hardware store show hardness in parts per million or grains per gallon. Compare your reading with the City of Dixon's range of 130 to 190 parts per million.
A quick soap test also works. Fill a bottle with water and a few drops of liquid soap and shake. Lots of suds point to softer water, while few suds and a cloudy film point to hard water.
The ongoing cost of owning a softener
A softener is a purchase and a habit. Think through the whole picture.
- Salt or potassium refills at regular intervals.
- A small amount of water used by each regeneration cycle.
- Electricity for the control head.
- Periodic service and valve replacement.
- Space for the tank and a nearby drain.
Flushing a water heater without a softener
Draining a few gallons from the bottom of the tank once or twice a year removes loose sediment. Turn off the power or gas, connect a hose to the drain valve and run the water until it clears.
It will not stop scale, but it slows the buildup. If your heater is old, a flush may release stuck sediment, so go slowly. Our water heater repair page explains when to call instead.
Drinking water and the kitchen tap
Some households keep one cold tap unsoftened for drinking and cooking. Others prefer softened water everywhere. A plumber can arrange either setup with a bypass line.
For questions about contaminants in the city supply, such as the hexavalent chromium noted in the City of Dixon's report, contact the City of Dixon water operations office. A softener is a hardness tool and does not take their place.
A simple way to decide
Start with what you see. If scale is on every faucet, the water heater is loud and glasses are always spotted, a softener is worth pricing. If you only see a little scale on one showerhead, a vinegar soak may be enough.
Next, think about time. If you plan to stay in the house for years, the benefits add up. If you may move soon, a smaller step may suit you better. A plumber can test your water and talk through the options without pressure.
Finally, compare quotes that separate the unit from the labor. Our water softener installation page explains what a complete quote should include.
What to bring to a plumber conversation
Bring your most recent water bill, a list of the fixtures where you see scale and the age of your water heater. If you tested the water, bring that reading too.
A plumber can then talk through whether a softener, a filter at one tap or just regular maintenance fits your home. Ask for a written quote that lists the unit, the labor and any permit separately.
There is no deadline on this decision, so take the time to compare.
If you do install one
Ask for a unit sized to your household and hardness. Make sure there is a bypass valve, a drain connection and an overflow line. Keep an outdoor hose bib untreated if you irrigate with it.
If you live in Davis, the city suggests softener users bypass or adjust their units after the change to surface water. In Vacaville, hardness is close to Dixon's. A plumber can also check settings on an existing unit.
Water softener questions
Yes. Water above about 120 parts per million is generally called hard.
No. A softener treats hardness. Ask the City of Dixon water operations office about chromium.
Some people notice a difference. Many keep a separate tap for drinking.
The City of Dixon reports a range of 130 to 190 parts per million over the year.
It depends on the unit, hardness and household. Your installer can explain the schedule.