Water hardness in Abilene
18 gpg very hard
Tap water in Abilene is very hard: 18 gpg (309 mg/L · 17.3 °dH · 30.9 °fH).
Source: City of Abilene Water Utilities, 2024 Annual Water Quality Report (CCR), data January-December 2024 (2024) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 194–423 mg/L.
The City of Abilene's 2024 water quality report lists total hardness as CaCO3 with a minimum of 194 mg/L and a maximum of 423 mg/L (11.3 to 24.7 gpg). No average is printed, so the 308.5 mg/L (18.0 gpg) on this page is the midpoint and is computed. It is very hard water across the whole range. The report does not split hardness by zone. Expect fast scale on heaters and fixtures.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 18 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Abilene Water Utilities |
How Abilene compares
- Tap water in Abilene is 99 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 234 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 83 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Texas it is number 5 of 60 cities; the regional median is 8.6 gpg.
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Abilene
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 17 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 5th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Abilene water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 309 mg/L as CaCO₃ (18 gpg, 17.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Abilene safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
How many grains per gallon is Abilene water?
18 gpg, equal to 17.3 °dH, 30.9 °fH or 309 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Abilene?
For 309 mg/L (17.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Abilene?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: City of Abilene Water Utilities, 2024 Annual Water Quality Report (CCR), data January-December 2024 (2024). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. City of Abilene Water Utilities, 2024 Annual Water Quality Report (CCR), data January-December 2024 · Outdated figure? Tell us