Water hardness in Medicine Hat
195 mg/L very hard
Tap water in Medicine Hat is very hard: 195 mg/L (11.4 gpg · 10.9 °dH · 19.5 °fH).
Source: City of Medicine Hat, Water page FAQ (2026) · data checked 2026-11-02
Range across supply zones: 150–240 mg/L.
The City of Medicine Hat says on its water page that hardness varies, with 150 to 240 mg/L (8.7 to 14 grains) as the average. The page is undated and does not state CaCO3, so we date it 2026 and show the midpoint of that range. This is moderately hard to hard water. Expect scale on kettles and fixtures.
Health Canada: hardness above 200 mg/L is considered poor but tolerable; above 500 mg/L unacceptable.
Water data
| Total hardness | 195 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Medicine Hat |
How Medicine Hat compares
- Tap water in Medicine Hat is 93 % harder than the median of the 254 cities we track in Canada (101 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 47 of 254 in Canada (1 = hardest); 82 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Alberta it is number 8 of 14 cities; the regional median is 197 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 Medicine Hat
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 11 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Medicine Hat water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 195 mg/L as CaCO₃ (11.4 gpg, 10.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Medicine Hat 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 Medicine Hat water?
11.4 gpg, equal to 10.9 °dH, 19.5 °fH or 195 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Medicine Hat?
For 195 mg/L (10.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Medicine Hat?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: City of Medicine Hat, Water page FAQ (2026). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. City of Medicine Hat, Water page FAQ · Outdated figure? Tell us