Water hardness in Brandon
150 mg/L hard
Tap water in Brandon is hard: 150 mg/L (8.8 gpg · 8.4 °dH · 15 °fH).
Source: City of Brandon, Drinking Water page FAQ (2026) · data checked 2026-11-02
The City of Brandon's drinking water page states that the average hardness is 150 mg per litre. The page carries no year and does not name the unit as CaCO3, and the 2025 annual report prints no hardness figure, so treat 150 mg/L as approximate. At this level, scale builds up steadily in kettles and water heaters.
Health Canada: hardness above 200 mg/L is considered poor but tolerable; above 500 mg/L unacceptable.
Water data
| Total hardness | 150 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Brandon |
How Brandon compares
- Tap water in Brandon is 48 % harder than the median of the 254 cities we track in Canada (101 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 65 of 254 in Canada (1 = hardest); 74 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Manitoba it is number 2 of 4 cities; the regional median is 116 mg/L.
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Canada →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Brandon
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H2 |
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 Brandon water hard or soft?
It is hard: 150 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.8 gpg, 8.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Brandon safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Health Canada: hardness above 200 mg/L is considered poor but tolerable; above 500 mg/L unacceptable.
How many grains per gallon is Brandon water?
8.8 gpg, equal to 8.4 °dH, 15 °fH or 150 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Brandon?
For 150 mg/L (8.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Brandon?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: City of Brandon, Drinking Water page FAQ (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Brandon, Drinking Water page FAQ · Outdated figure? Tell us