Water hardness in Gladstone
91 mg/L moderately hard
Tap water in Gladstone is moderately hard: 91 mg/L (5.3 gpg · 5.1 °dH · 9.1 °fH).
Source: Gladstone Regional Council, Drinking Water Service Report 2024-25 (2025) · data checked 2026-11-05
Range across supply zones: 63–106 mg/L.
Gladstone is supplied through the Lake Awoonga scheme run by Gladstone Regional Council. The 2024-25 report gives 91.2 mg/L CaCO₃, with results from 63.0 to 106.0 mg/L. Expect visible scale on kettles and taps over time, and regular descaling will manage it.
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: aesthetic target ≤ 200 mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 91 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Gladstone Regional Council (Lake Awoonga scheme) |
How Gladstone compares
- Tap water in Gladstone is 7 % harder than the median of the 307 cities we track in Australia (85 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 150 of 307 in Australia (1 = hardest); 51 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Queensland it is number 7 of 29 cities; the regional median is 68 mg/L.
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Australia →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Gladstone
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
From each brand's manual for the model family named in the source; your model may differ, so check its manual. All brands and how to change the setting →
FAQ
Is Gladstone water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 91 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.3 gpg, 5.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Gladstone safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: aesthetic target ≤ 200 mg/L CaCO₃.
How many grains per gallon is Gladstone water?
5.3 gpg, equal to 5.1 °dH, 9.1 °fH or 91 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Gladstone?
For 91 mg/L (5.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Gladstone?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Gladstone Regional Council, Drinking Water Service Report 2024-25 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Gladstone Regional Council, Drinking Water Service Report 2024-25 · Outdated figure? Tell us