If you only remember one number: compilations of Las Cruces Municipal Water System data put hardness around 200–202 mg/L, or about 11.7–11.8 grains per gallon — very hard. That is enough to scale a water heater, film glasses, and wear out faucets. It is not, by itself, a statement about drinking-water safety.
We wrote a full answer to the question people actually ask here: Do I need a water softener in Las Cruces, NM? This page is the service side of that guide.
What a correct install includes
- A hardness test at the tap, not only a city average — wells and other systems (including some NMSU-area and village or southern-county systems) can differ.
- Sizing from hardness × household water use, so the unit is not regenerating constantly or sitting comically oversized.
- A connection on the main line after the outdoor irrigation tee whenever possible. Xeriscaped gravel does not need soft water, and you should not spend salt on it.
- A drain for regeneration, an outlet for the valve, and a permit if required.
- A plain-English walkthrough of salt, bridging, and when to call for service.
Ion-exchange softeners actually remove hardness. “Salt-free softeners” generally do not; they may reduce scale sticking, but the water still tests hard. Reverse osmosis is for drinking water at one tap, not for protecting the water heater. A common, sensible pairing in this climate is a whole-house softener plus an RO faucet at the kitchen sink.
Questions
Can I skip a softener if I flush the water heater?
You can, especially if you rent or only plan to stay a short time. Flushing and anode service protect the tank; they do not stop scale on fixtures, swamp-cooler pads, or a tankless exchanger.
Do you sell a particular softener brand?
No. We are a referral site. Ask the plumber what they install, how they size it, and what the salt and service look like in this water.