Water hardness in High River
262 mg/L very hard
Tap water in High River is very hard: 262 mg/L (15.3 gpg · 14.7 °dH · 26.2 °fH).
Source: Town of High River, Quarterly Water Samples (Analytical Reports, Schedule 4 WTP), 2025-2026 (2026) · data checked 2026-11-03
Range across supply zones: 241–302 mg/L.
The Town of High River publishes quarterly analytical reports for its water treatment plant. The figure of 262.1 mg/L as CaCO3 is the median of six reports from 2025 to 2026, which ranged from 241.3 to 301.6 mg/L. Each is a single grab sample at the plant, not a survey of the distribution network. Hardness shifts a little between seasons. Expect scale on 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 | 262 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Town of High River (water treatment plant, town distribution) |
How High River compares
- Tap water in High River is 159 % harder than the median of the 254 cities we track in Canada (101 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 29 of 254 in Canada (1 = hardest); 89 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Alberta it is number 2 of 14 cities; the regional median is 197 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Calgary, 54 km away (199 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Canada →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in High River
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 15 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| LG | H3 |
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 High River water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 262 mg/L as CaCO₃ (15.3 gpg, 14.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in High River 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 High River water?
15.3 gpg, equal to 14.7 °dH, 26.2 °fH or 262 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in High River?
For 262 mg/L (14.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in High River?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Town of High River, Quarterly Water Samples (Analytical Reports, Schedule 4 WTP), 2025-2026 (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Town of High River, Quarterly Water Samples (Analytical Reports, Schedule 4 WTP), 2025-2026 · Outdated figure? Tell us