Water hardness in Saguenay
100 mg/L moderately hard
Tap water in Saguenay is moderately hard: 100 mg/L (5.8 gpg · 5.6 °dH · 10 °fH).
Source: Ville de Saguenay, Bilan annuel de la qualite de l eau potable 2025 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 20–221 mg/L.
9 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| mg/L | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrondissement de La Baie | 221 | 221 | very hard |
| Centre Plein Air du Portage | 100 | 100 | moderately hard |
| Chicoutimi (Chicoutimi) | 41 | 41 | soft |
| Chicoutimi (Chicoutimi-Nord) | 71 | 71 | moderately hard |
| Jonquiere (Jonquiere / Kenogami) | 26 | 26 | soft |
| Jonquiere (secteur Arvida) | 20 | 20 | soft |
| Lac Kenogami (Pointe de Sable) | 210 | 210 | very hard |
| Laterriere | 124 | 124 | hard |
| Shipshaw (puits) | 170 | 170 | hard |
Saguenay is served by nine separate networks, and the 2025 city report gives a median of 100 mg/L as CaCO3 across them, from 20 to 221 mg/L. The river-fed networks in Jonquière, Arvida and Chicoutimi are softest. Lac Kénogami and the Shipshaw wells are harder, and La Baie is highest. Check which network serves your address.
Health Canada: hardness above 200 mg/L is considered poor but tolerable; above 500 mg/L unacceptable.
Water data
| Total hardness | 100 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Ville de Saguenay (distribution networks, RQEP bilan) |
How Saguenay compares
- Tap water in Saguenay is close to the median of the 254 cities we track in Canada (101 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 129 of 254 in Canada (1 = hardest); 49 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Québec it is number 7 of 14 cities; the regional median is 86 mg/L.
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Canada →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Saguenay
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 6 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Saguenay water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 100 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.8 gpg, 5.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Saguenay 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 Saguenay water?
5.8 gpg, equal to 5.6 °dH, 10 °fH or 100 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Saguenay?
For 100 mg/L (5.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Saguenay?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Ville de Saguenay, Bilan annuel de la qualite de l eau potable 2025 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Ville de Saguenay, Bilan annuel de la qualite de l eau potable 2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us