Water hardness in Albuquerque
9.1 gpg hard
Tap water in Albuquerque is hard: 9.1 gpg (155 mg/L · 8.7 °dH · 15.5 °fH).
Source: ABCWUA Water Quality Report 2025, Zone 1 report (voluntary comprehensive monitoring) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-22
Range across supply zones: 43–230 mg/L.
17 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| gpg | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution zone 1 | 9.1 | 156 | hard |
| Distribution zone 10 | 9.1 | 155 | hard |
| Distribution zone 11 | 10.5 | 180 | hard |
| Distribution zone 12 | 9.3 | 160 | hard |
| Distribution zone 13 | 10 | 171 | hard |
| Distribution zone 14 | 8.4 | 144 | hard |
| Distribution zone 15 | 9.6 | 165 | hard |
| Distribution zone 16 | 9.6 | 165 | hard |
| Distribution zone 17 | 6.8 | 116 | moderately hard |
| Distribution zone 2 | 8.3 | 142 | hard |
| Distribution zone 3 | 8.2 | 141 | hard |
| Distribution zone 4 | 7.5 | 128 | hard |
| Distribution zone 5 | 8.5 | 145 | hard |
| Distribution zone 6 | 9.6 | 164 | hard |
| Distribution zone 7 | 9.1 | 155 | hard |
| Distribution zone 8 | 8.5 | 146 | hard |
| Distribution zone 9 | 8.9 | 152 | hard |
Albuquerque blends San Juan-Chama river water, diverted from the Rio Grande, with groundwater from the Santa Fe Group Aquifer, and the share of each changes with snowpack and drought. The utility reports 17 zones: hardness runs from 43.1–230.1 mg/L with a median of 155.1 mg/L CaCO₃, so your address matters more than the city figure. Check the zone report for your street before buying a softener.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 9.1 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA) |
How Albuquerque compares
- Tap water in Albuquerque is close to the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 686 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 50 % of these cities have softer water.
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
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 Albuquerque
| 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 Albuquerque water hard or soft?
It is hard: 155 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.1 gpg, 8.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque water?
9.1 gpg, equal to 8.7 °dH, 15.5 °fH or 155 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Albuquerque?
For 155 mg/L (8.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Albuquerque?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: ABCWUA Water Quality Report 2025, Zone 1 report (voluntary comprehensive monitoring) (2025). Method: own measurement. ABCWUA Water Quality Report 2025, Zone 1 report (voluntary comprehensive monitoring) · Outdated figure? Tell us