Water hardness in Albany (New York)
3.1 gpg soft
Tap water in Albany (New York) is soft: 3.1 gpg (52 mg/L · 2.9 °dH · 5.2 °fH).
Source: City of Albany Water Department - 2025 Annual Water Quality Report (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 46–65 mg/L.
The City of Albany's 2025 annual water quality report gives total hardness of 52.4 mg/L as CaCO3 (3.1 gpg), with a range of 46.3 to 65.2 mg/L. The city samples it five days a week. This is soft water. Scale is minor, and a softener adds little for hardness.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.1 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Albany Water Department (City of Albany) |
How Albany (New York) compares
- Tap water in Albany (New York) is 66 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1213 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 12 % of these cities have softer water.
- In New York it is number 11 of 16 cities; the regional median is 5.2 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Utica, 130 km away (1.1 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Albany
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 3 °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 Albany (New York) water hard or soft?
It is soft: 52 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.1 gpg, 2.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Albany (New York) 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 Albany (New York) water?
3.1 gpg, equal to 2.9 °dH, 5.2 °fH or 52 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Albany (New York)?
For 52 mg/L (2.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Albany (New York)?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: City of Albany Water Department - 2025 Annual Water Quality Report (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Albany Water Department - 2025 Annual Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us