Water Testing in El Cajon, CA

What to Test For in El Cajon Wells

The geology in El Cajon — El Cajon Valley alluvium over granite — directly determines what contaminants you're likely to find in your well water.

Common Contaminants in El Cajon

Based on local geology and decades of testing El Cajon wells, here's what we typically find:

• Water hardness: 12-18 grains — this causes scale buildup on fixtures, water heaters, and appliances
• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 450-800 ppm — affects taste and can indicate other contaminants
• Specific to El Cajon Valley alluvium over granite: hard water common (12-18 grains), high TDS in some areas

Neighborhood-Specific Concerns

• Granite Hills: hard water common (12-18 grains), high TDS in some areas
• Bostonia: hard water common (12-18 grains), high TDS in some areas
• Fletcher Hills: hard water common (12-18 grains), high TDS in some areas
• Crest: hard water common (12-18 grains), high TDS in some areas

Our El Cajon Water Testing Process

1. Sample collection: We come to your El Cajon property and collect samples from the well
2. Laboratory analysis: Certified lab tests for bacteria, minerals, metals, and contaminants
3. Results interpretation: We explain what the numbers mean for your specific property
4. Treatment recommendations: Based on your water quality, we recommend filtration, softening, or other treatment

Recommended Tests for El Cajon Wells

• Basic test: Bacteria, nitrates, pH, hardness, TDS
• Mineral panel: Iron, manganese, sulfate (critical for El Cajon Valley alluvium over granite)
• Extended panel: Arsenic, uranium, radon (if applicable to your neighborhood)

When to Test Your El Cajon Well

• Buying or selling a home in Granite Hills, Bostonia, Fletcher Hills, Crest, Dehesa
• Annual testing (recommended for all El Cajon wells)
• After pump repair or well service
• If you notice taste, odor, or staining issues
• After heavy rains or drought (affects El Cajon Valley alluvium over granite aquifers)