How hard is your water? Hard water by state
Hard water is common across most of the US. Here's where yours stands.
Hard water is common across most of the US. See how hard the water is in your state and city.
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You're probably on this page because:
- You're moving and wondering about the water
- You want to know if your state has hard water
Here's how hardness is measured, and where it's highest.
The hardness scale
| Grains per gallon | mg/L (ppm) | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 | Under 17 | Soft |
| 1 to 3.5 | 17 to 60 | Slightly hard |
| 3.5 to 7 | 60 to 120 | Moderately hard |
| 7 to 10.5 | 120 to 180 | Hard |
| Over 10.5 | Over 180 | Very hard |
USGS scale.
Florida and Texas
Florida's median city water is about 5.1 grains, but cities range from about 0.2 to 17 grains. Texas's median is about 5.7 grains. Your city matters more than your state.
Source: TapWaterData utility-reported data.
[State table]
[Add a state-by-state median table from TapWaterData or USGS.]
Our take
Why your neighbor's water can be different from yours
We've answered this question thousands of times, on calls, on installs and for the water companies we supply.
Hardness depends on where your utility gets its water and how it treats it, not just your state. In Florida, Fort Lauderdale's water is soft because the city softens it at the plant, while Jacksonville's runs about 11 grains.
If you're on a well, none of these averages apply. Wells pull straight from the ground and are often harder than city water nearby.
Written by people who install these every day
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Written by [Name], [title], [20+] years in water treatment. Reviewed by [Licensed plumber name], license # [#]. Last updated [date]. Sources: listed under each "By the numbers" block and linked in the copy
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Questions people ask
Which states have the hardest water?
[From the state table.]
Does Florida have hard water?
It varies: about 0.2 to 17 grains by city.
Does Texas have hard water?
Median about 5.7 grains, higher in some cities.
What is considered hard water?
Over 7 grains (120 mg/L).
How do I check my city?
Use the ZIP check.
Is hard water bad for you?
It's not a health risk, but it's rough on your home.