Water hardness in Harrogate
63 mg/L moderately hard
Tap water in Harrogate is moderately hard: 63 mg/L (3.7 gpg · 3.5 °dH · 6.3 °fH).
Source: Yorkshire Water — domestic drinking water quality (Stream open data, CC BY) (2026-09) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 51–98 mg/L.
Yorkshire Water supplies Harrogate from a network that blends reservoir, river and borehole sources, and the company links harder water in the east of the region to its borehole and groundwater supplies. Reported hardness is 63.2 mg/L CaCO₃, ranging from 50.8 to 98.1 mg/L between supply zones. The supply here blends softer reservoir water with harder borehole or river water; at this level scale forms steadily on heating elements and taps; a dishwasher salt setting and occasional descaling are sensible.
UK suppliers report mg/L CaCO₃ and often Clark degrees (1 °Clark = 14.25 mg/L).
Water data
| Total hardness | 63 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Yorkshire Water |
How Harrogate compares
- Tap water in Harrogate is 66 % softer than the median of the 471 cities we track in the United Kingdom (185 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 370 of 471 in the United Kingdom (1 = hardest); 21 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Harrogate it is number 4 of 4 cities; the regional median is 67 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Burley in Wharfedale, 17 km away (45 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: East Keswick, 12 km away (147 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United Kingdom →
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 Harrogate
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
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 Harrogate water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 63 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.7 gpg, 3.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Harrogate 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 Harrogate water?
3.7 gpg, equal to 3.5 °dH, 6.3 °fH or 63 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Harrogate?
For 63 mg/L (3.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Harrogate?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Yorkshire Water — domestic drinking water quality (Stream open data, CC BY) (2026-09). Method: own measurement. Yorkshire Water — domestic drinking water quality (Stream open data, CC BY) · Outdated figure? Tell us