Water hardness in Grafton
39 mg/L soft
Tap water in Grafton is soft: 39 mg/L (2.3 gpg · 2.2 °dH · 3.9 °fH).
Source: Clarence Valley Council - Drinking Water Quality Report (March 2024) (2024) · data checked 2026-11-05
Range across supply zones: 10–59 mg/L.
Clarence Valley Council's March 2024 water quality report gives 38.9 mg/L CaCO₃ for Grafton, with results from 10.0 to 59.1 mg/L. The wide spread means hardness changes between samples, so a single reading at home may differ from the figure shown. Water this soft rarely leaves heavy scale, and a softener is not normally needed.
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: aesthetic target ≤ 200 mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 39 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Clarence Valley Council |
How Grafton compares
- Tap water in Grafton is 54 % softer than the median of the 307 cities we track in Australia (85 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 269 of 307 in Australia (1 = hardest); 12 % of these cities have softer water.
- In New South Wales it is number 13 of 13 cities; the regional median is 93 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Coffs Harbour, 71 km away (53 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Australia →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Grafton
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 2 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
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 Grafton water hard or soft?
It is soft: 39 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.3 gpg, 2.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Grafton 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 Grafton water?
2.3 gpg, equal to 2.2 °dH, 3.9 °fH or 39 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Grafton?
For 39 mg/L (2.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Grafton?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Clarence Valley Council - Drinking Water Quality Report (March 2024) (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Clarence Valley Council - Drinking Water Quality Report (March 2024) · Outdated figure? Tell us