Water hardness in Allen
7.8 gpg hard
Tap water in Allen is hard: 7.8 gpg (134 mg/L · 7.5 °dH · 13.4 °fH).
Source: City of Allen 2026 Water Quality Report (2025 data) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 96–200 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| gpg | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Leonard Water Treatment Plant (NTMWD supply) | 7 | 120 | hard |
| Wylie Water Treatment Plant (NTMWD supply) | 8.6 | 148 | hard |
Allen buys treated water from the North Texas Municipal Water District, and its 2026 report (2025 data) lists two plants. Total hardness as CaCO3 ranges from 96 to 200 mg/L at Wylie (5.6 to 11.7 gpg) and from 96 to 144 mg/L at Leonard (5.6 to 8.4 gpg). No average is printed, and 200 and 144 are the highest values detected. Water is moderately hard to hard, and it depends on the plant and the season.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.8 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Allen Water Utilities (NTMWD wholesale) |
How Allen compares
- Tap water in Allen is 14 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 810 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 41 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Texas it is number 37 of 60 cities; the regional median is 8.6 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Mansfield, 75 km away (6.1 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Heath, 35 km away (11.7 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 Allen
| 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 Allen water hard or soft?
It is hard: 134 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.8 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 Allen 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 Allen water?
7.8 gpg, equal to 7.5 °dH, 13.4 °fH or 134 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Allen?
For 134 mg/L (7.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Allen?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: City of Allen 2026 Water Quality Report (2025 data) (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. City of Allen 2026 Water Quality Report (2025 data) · Outdated figure? Tell us