Water hardness in Alexandria (Virginia)
11.2 gpg very hard
Tap water in Alexandria (Virginia) is very hard: 11.2 gpg (191 mg/L · 10.7 °dH · 19.1 °fH).
Source: Virginia American Water, water quality report (Alexandria) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 78–191 mg/L.
Virginia American Water serves Alexandria with treated water from Fairfax Water, which draws on the Potomac River and the Occoquan Reservoir. The two sources differ, and the reported range is 78–191 mg/L. The 191 mg/L CaCO₃ shown is the high end of that range, so your tap may read lower; the water is hard, with scale on glass and heaters.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 11.2 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Virginia American Water |
How Alexandria (Virginia) compares
- Tap water in Alexandria (Virginia) is 23 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 558 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 59 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Virginia it is number 1 of 19 cities; the regional median is 3.6 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Alexandria, 4 km away (7.9 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 Alexandria
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 11 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 very hard: 191 mg/L as CaCO₃ (11.2 gpg, 10.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in 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?
11.2 gpg, equal to 10.7 °dH, 19.1 °fH or 191 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Alexandria (Virginia)?
For 191 mg/L (10.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Alexandria (Virginia)?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Virginia American Water, water quality report (Alexandria) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Virginia American Water, water quality report (Alexandria) · Outdated figure? Tell us