GM recommends the engine be flushed with ordinary water, and when new anti-freeze is being installed, the water/anti-freeze be mixed to obtain a -35°F to -45°F protection level. Being that you have very hard water in Las Vagas, I'd use the distilled water or at least some 'treated' water. Do not forget the sealant tabs in the new coolant, lest you be buying a new engine before too long. Following the cooling system mainenance schedule for this engine is _very_ important.....flush/change every two years and add sealant tabs each time.
Most all problems with this series engine stem from owners not following the cooling system maintenance schedule and/or not using the GM sealant. The tabs are less than $5 and there are no other sealants that are recognized for this series engine(4.1L or 4.5L)
I'd also use distilled water in the wet-cell battery and even in the windshield washer system! 'Hard' water isn't a good thing, for most everything!
Dave S(Texas)