Water hardness in Gatineau
40 mg/L soft
Tap water in Gatineau is soft: 40 mg/L (2.3 gpg · 2.2 °dH · 4 °fH).
Source: Ville de Gatineau, Analyses eau potable secteur Gatineau 2023 (2023) · data checked 2026-10-20
The Gatineau figure rests on a single sample taken on 11 September 2023 in the Gatineau sector, which showed total hardness of 40 mg/L as CaCO3. It is the latest published figure, but one sample is not a yearly average. It points to soft water. Check the city's current analyses for your sector.
Health Canada: hardness above 200 mg/L is considered poor but tolerable; above 500 mg/L unacceptable.
Water data
| Total hardness | 40 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Ville de Gatineau (Eau potable) |
How Gatineau compares
- Tap water in Gatineau is 60 % softer than the median of the 254 cities we track in Canada (101 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 178 of 254 in Canada (1 = hardest); 30 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Québec it is number 13 of 14 cities; the regional median is 86 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Pembroke, 116 km away (12 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Smiths Falls, 68 km away (82 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 Gatineau
| 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 Gatineau water hard or soft?
It is soft: 40 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 Gatineau 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 Gatineau water?
2.3 gpg, equal to 2.2 °dH, 4 °fH or 40 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Gatineau?
For 40 mg/L (2.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Gatineau?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Ville de Gatineau, Analyses eau potable secteur Gatineau 2023 (2023). Method: own measurement. Ville de Gatineau, Analyses eau potable secteur Gatineau 2023 · Outdated figure? Tell us