Water hardness in Holyrood
160 mg/L hard
Tap water in Holyrood is hard: 160 mg/L (9.3 gpg · 9 °dH · 16 °fH).
Source: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Tap Water Quality for Public Water Supplies (Winter, Spring, Fall 2025) (2025-11-13) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 72–170 mg/L.
Health Canada: hardness above 200 mg/L is considered poor but tolerable; above 500 mg/L unacceptable.
Water data
| Total hardness | 160 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Holyrood public water supply |
How Holyrood compares
- Tap water in Holyrood is 58 % harder than the median of the 254 cities we track in Canada (101 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 60 of 254 in Canada (1 = hardest); 76 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Newfoundland and Labrador it is number 2 of 55 cities; the regional median is 23 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Harbour Main-Chapel's Cove-Lakeview, 4 km away (85 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 Holyrood
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °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 Holyrood water hard or soft?
It is hard: 160 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.3 gpg, 9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Holyrood 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 Holyrood water?
9.3 gpg, equal to 9 °dH, 16 °fH or 160 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Holyrood?
For 160 mg/L (9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Holyrood?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Tap Water Quality for Public Water Supplies (Winter, Spring, Fall 2025) (2025-11-13). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Tap Water Quality for Public Water Supplies (Winter, Spring, Fall 2025) · Outdated figure? Tell us