Water hardness in Edmonton
174 mg/L hard
Tap water in Edmonton is hard: 174 mg/L (10.2 gpg · 9.7 °dH · 17.4 °fH).
Source: EPCOR, 2025 Edmonton Water Quality Annual Report (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 131–212 mg/L.
EPCOR's 2025 annual report for Edmonton gives an average total hardness of 173.9 mg/L as CaCO3, with individual results from 131 to 212 mg/L. The figure varies through the year. Health Canada sets no health-based limit for hardness, only an aesthetic note. At this level, scale on heating elements is common.
Health Canada: hardness above 200 mg/L is considered poor but tolerable; above 500 mg/L unacceptable.
Water data
| Total hardness | 174 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | EPCOR Water Services (City of Edmonton system) |
How Edmonton compares
- Tap water in Edmonton is 72 % harder than the median of the 254 cities we track in Canada (101 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 52 of 254 in Canada (1 = hardest); 79 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Alberta it is number 11 of 14 cities; the regional median is 197 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Red Deer, 144 km away (229 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 Edmonton
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 10 °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 Edmonton water hard or soft?
It is hard: 174 mg/L as CaCO₃ (10.2 gpg, 9.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Edmonton 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 Edmonton water?
10.2 gpg, equal to 9.7 °dH, 17.4 °fH or 174 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Edmonton?
For 174 mg/L (9.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Edmonton?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: EPCOR, 2025 Edmonton Water Quality Annual Report (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. EPCOR, 2025 Edmonton Water Quality Annual Report · Outdated figure? Tell us