Water hardness in Pickering
125 mg/L hard
Tap water in Pickering is hard: 125 mg/L (7.3 gpg · 7 °dH · 12.5 °fH).
Source: Regional Municipality of Durham, About Water - Water hardness concentrations (2026) · data checked 2026-11-02
Durham Region lists one hardness value of 125 mg/L as CaCO3 for its Lake Ontario system, which serves Pickering along with Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa. The page prints no year, so we date it to when we accessed it, 2026. Treat it as an approximate system-wide figure. Water of this hardness causes gradual scale in 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 | 125 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Regional Municipality of Durham (Lake Ontario supply system) |
How Pickering compares
- Tap water in Pickering is 23 % harder than the median of the 254 cities we track in Canada (101 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 81 of 254 in Canada (1 = hardest); 66 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Ontario it is number 50 of 120 cities; the regional median is 124 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Peterborough, 79 km away (95 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Stouffville, 12 km away (318 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 Pickering
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 Pickering water hard or soft?
It is hard: 125 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.3 gpg, 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 Pickering 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 Pickering water?
7.3 gpg, equal to 7 °dH, 12.5 °fH or 125 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Pickering?
For 125 mg/L (7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Pickering?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Regional Municipality of Durham, About Water - Water hardness concentrations (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Regional Municipality of Durham, About Water - Water hardness concentrations · Outdated figure? Tell us