Water hardness in Vernon
173 mg/L hard
Tap water in Vernon is hard: 173 mg/L (10.1 gpg · 9.7 °dH · 17.3 °fH).
Source: RDNO Greater Vernon Water 2023 Annual Report (2023) · data checked 2026-11-02
Range across supply zones: 158–187 mg/L.
The figure for Vernon comes from the Kalamalka Lake intake only: Greater Vernon Water's 2023 report shows 158 to 187 mg/L as CaCO3 over the years of record. It is source-water monitoring, not a tap result. The other source, Duteau Creek, is described as low in hardness but has no published number, so your tap may be softer depending on the blend.
Health Canada: hardness above 200 mg/L is considered poor but tolerable; above 500 mg/L unacceptable.
Water data
| Total hardness | 173 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Greater Vernon Water (RDNO) |
How Vernon compares
- Tap water in Vernon is 70 % harder than the median of the 254 cities we track in Canada (101 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 54 of 254 in Canada (1 = hardest); 79 % of these cities have softer water.
- In British Columbia it is number 1 of 35 cities; the regional median is 22 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Lake Country, 30 km away (129 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 Vernon
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 10 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| 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 Vernon water hard or soft?
It is hard: 173 mg/L as CaCO₃ (10.1 gpg, 9.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Vernon 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 Vernon water?
10.1 gpg, equal to 9.7 °dH, 17.3 °fH or 173 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Vernon?
For 173 mg/L (9.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Vernon?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: RDNO Greater Vernon Water 2023 Annual Report (2023). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. RDNO Greater Vernon Water 2023 Annual Report · Outdated figure? Tell us