Water hardness in Alexandria (Virginia)
7.9 gpg hard
Tap water in Alexandria (Virginia) is hard: 7.9 gpg (135 mg/L · 7.5 °dH · 13.4 °fH).
Source: Virginia American Water, Alexandria 2025 Annual Water Quality Report (2025) · data checked 2026-10-22
Range across supply zones: 78–191 mg/L.
Alexandria's water is bought from Fairfax Water by Virginia American Water, and comes from the Potomac River and the Occoquan Reservoir. The reported range is 78–191 mg/L, and the figure of 134.5 mg/L CaCO₃ is computed from that range, so it describes a typical value rather than a single sample. Expect moderate to hard water with some scale.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.9 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Virginia American Water (Alexandria District; supply from Fairfax Water) |
How Alexandria (Virginia) compares
- Tap water in Alexandria (Virginia) is 13 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 808 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 41 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Virginia it is number 3 of 19 cities; the regional median is 3.6 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Baltimore, 67 km away (5.5 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Alexandria, 4 km away (11.2 gpg).
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 Alexandria
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 Alexandria (Virginia) water hard or soft?
It is hard: 135 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.9 gpg, 7.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Alexandria (Virginia) 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 Alexandria (Virginia) water?
7.9 gpg, equal to 7.5 °dH, 13.4 °fH or 135 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Alexandria (Virginia)?
For 135 mg/L (7.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Alexandria (Virginia)?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Virginia American Water, Alexandria 2025 Annual Water Quality Report (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Virginia American Water, Alexandria 2025 Annual Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us