Water hardness in Whitehorse
149 mg/L hard
Tap water in Whitehorse is hard: 149 mg/L (8.7 gpg · 8.3 °dH · 14.9 °fH).
Source: City of Whitehorse, Water quality - treated water Selkirk Pumphouse (2024) · data checked 2026-11-02
Whitehorse draws its water from the Riverdale Aquifer wells. The City's treated-water sheet for the Selkirk Pumphouse, dated 18 December 2024, shows 149 mg/L hardness. It is a single sample, and the utility samples twice a year. The water is moderately hard, and scale on kettles is common.
Health Canada: hardness above 200 mg/L is considered poor but tolerable; above 500 mg/L unacceptable.
Water data
| Total hardness | 149 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Whitehorse (Riverdale Aquifer wells) |
How Whitehorse compares
- Tap water in Whitehorse is 47 % harder than the median of the 254 cities we track in Canada (101 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 67 of 254 in Canada (1 = hardest); 74 % of these cities have softer water.
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 Whitehorse
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 8 °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 Whitehorse water hard or soft?
It is hard: 149 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.7 gpg, 8.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Whitehorse 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 Whitehorse water?
8.7 gpg, equal to 8.3 °dH, 14.9 °fH or 149 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Whitehorse?
For 149 mg/L (8.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Whitehorse?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: City of Whitehorse, Water quality - treated water Selkirk Pumphouse (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Whitehorse, Water quality - treated water Selkirk Pumphouse · Outdated figure? Tell us