Water hardness in Red Deer
229 mg/L very hard
Tap water in Red Deer is very hard: 229 mg/L (13.4 gpg · 12.8 °dH · 22.9 °fH).
Source: City of Red Deer, Water Quality Parameters January 5 2026 (2026) · data checked 2026-11-02
Red Deer's January 2026 water quality report gives total hardness of 229 mg/L as CaCO3, with calcium at 59.4 and magnesium at 19.5 mg/L. It is one monthly winter result. Monthly values vary through the year, so a yearly average is likely to differ somewhat. Expect scale on heating elements and fixtures.
Health Canada: hardness above 200 mg/L is considered poor but tolerable; above 500 mg/L unacceptable.
Water data
| Total hardness | 229 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Ca | 59.4 |
| Mg | 19.5 |
| Utility | City of Red Deer Water Treatment Plant |
How Red Deer compares
- Tap water in Red Deer is 126 % harder than the median of the 254 cities we track in Canada (101 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 33 of 254 in Canada (1 = hardest); 87 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Alberta it is number 3 of 14 cities; the regional median is 197 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Cochrane, 129 km away (166 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 Red Deer
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 13 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| 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 Red Deer water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 229 mg/L as CaCO₃ (13.4 gpg, 12.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Red Deer 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 Red Deer water?
13.4 gpg, equal to 12.8 °dH, 22.9 °fH or 229 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Red Deer?
For 229 mg/L (12.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Red Deer?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: City of Red Deer, Water Quality Parameters January 5 2026 (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Red Deer, Water Quality Parameters January 5 2026 · Outdated figure? Tell us