Water hardness in Stoney Creek
120 mg/L hard
Tap water in Stoney Creek is hard: 120 mg/L (7 gpg · 6.7 °dH · 12 °fH).
Source: City of Hamilton, Drinking Water Quality page (2026) · data checked 2026-11-02
The City of Hamilton states that its water hardness is about 120 mg/L as calcium carbonate. Stoney Creek is within the city's urban system, and we assume the same Lake Ontario supply, though the page does not name Stoney Creek. The page carries no data year. Treat the figure as approximate: water of this hardness builds scale slowly.
Health Canada: hardness above 200 mg/L is considered poor but tolerable; above 500 mg/L unacceptable.
Water data
| Total hardness | 120 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Hamilton (Woodward Avenue system) |
How Stoney Creek compares
- Tap water in Stoney Creek is 19 % harder than the median of the 254 cities we track in Canada (101 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 105 of 254 in Canada (1 = hardest); 57 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Ontario it is number 68 of 120 cities; the regional median is 124 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Collingwood, 145 km away (86 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Ohsweken, 33 km away (358 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 Stoney Creek
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °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 Stoney Creek water hard or soft?
It is hard: 120 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7 gpg, 6.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Stoney Creek 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 Stoney Creek water?
7 gpg, equal to 6.7 °dH, 12 °fH or 120 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Stoney Creek?
For 120 mg/L (6.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Stoney Creek?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: City of Hamilton, Drinking Water Quality page (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Hamilton, Drinking Water Quality page · Outdated figure? Tell us