Water hardness in Craigavon
161 mg/L hard
Tap water in Craigavon is hard: 161 mg/L (9.4 gpg · 9 °dH · 16.1 °fH).
Source: NI Water, customer tap results 2024,2025 (OpenDataNI, OGL v3.0) (2025-11) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 160–162 mg/L.
NI Water supplies Craigavon; the company uses 39 sources, nearly all surface water from loughs, rivers and reservoirs, and only a tiny share from boreholes. Reported hardness is 161.1 mg/L CaCO₃, ranging from 159.8 to 162.3 mg/L between supply zones. Water from sources in the harder parts of the province carries more dissolved calcium and magnesium; expect visible limescale on taps, kettles and in boilers; a softener or scale inhibitor is worth considering, especially for hot-water systems.
UK suppliers report mg/L CaCO₃ and often Clark degrees (1 °Clark = 14.25 mg/L).
Water data
| Total hardness | 161 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Northern Ireland Water |
How Craigavon compares
- Tap water in Craigavon is 13 % softer than the median of the 471 cities we track in the United Kingdom (185 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 258 of 471 in the United Kingdom (1 = hardest); 45 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Northern Ireland it is number 8 of 110 cities; the regional median is 100 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Donaghcloney, 9 km away (97 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United Kingdom →
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 Craigavon
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °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 Craigavon water hard or soft?
It is hard: 161 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.4 gpg, 9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Craigavon safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. UK suppliers report mg/L CaCO₃ and often Clark degrees (1 °Clark = 14.25 mg/L).
How many grains per gallon is Craigavon water?
9.4 gpg, equal to 9 °dH, 16.1 °fH or 161 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Craigavon?
For 161 mg/L (9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Craigavon?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: NI Water, customer tap results 2024,2025 (OpenDataNI, OGL v3.0) (2025-11). Method: own measurement. NI Water, customer tap results 2024,2025 (OpenDataNI, OGL v3.0) · Outdated figure? Tell us