Water hardness in Chilliwack
54 mg/L soft
Tap water in Chilliwack is soft: 54 mg/L (3.1 gpg · 3 °dH · 5.4 °fH).
Source: City of Chilliwack, 2022 Annual Water Report (2022) · data checked 2026-11-02
Range across supply zones: 44–64 mg/L.
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Chilliwack draws its water from wells in the Sardis-Vedder aquifer. The 2022 annual report lists 18 hardness results from six sites, from 43.8 to 64.3 mg/L, with a median of 53.7. The report extract does not print the unit, but the alkalinity as CaCO3 in the same table fits mg/L. This is soft to moderately soft water, and 2022 is the latest year we verified.
Health Canada: hardness above 200 mg/L is considered poor but tolerable; above 500 mg/L unacceptable.
Water data
| Total hardness | 54 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Chilliwack (Sardis-Vedder aquifer wells) |
How Chilliwack compares
- Tap water in Chilliwack is 47 % softer than the median of the 254 cities we track in Canada (101 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 165 of 254 in Canada (1 = hardest); 35 % of these cities have softer water.
- In British Columbia it is number 11 of 35 cities; the regional median is 22 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Port Coquitlam, 60 km away (20 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Canada →
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 Chilliwack
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 3 °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 Chilliwack water hard or soft?
It is soft: 54 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.1 gpg, 3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Chilliwack 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 Chilliwack water?
3.1 gpg, equal to 3 °dH, 5.4 °fH or 54 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Chilliwack?
For 54 mg/L (3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Chilliwack?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: City of Chilliwack, 2022 Annual Water Report (2022). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Chilliwack, 2022 Annual Water Report · Outdated figure? Tell us