Water hardness in Altoona
7 gpg hard
Tap water in Altoona is hard: 7 gpg (120 mg/L · 6.7 °dH · 12 °fH).
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Altoona Waterworks) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 67–160 mg/L.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Altoona Waterworks |
How Altoona compares
- Tap water in Altoona is 23 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 884 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 34 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Wisconsin it is number 371 of 448 cities; the regional median is 14.3 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Chippewa Falls, 15 km away (5 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Menomonie, 38 km away (9.3 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 Altoona
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Altoona water hard or soft?
It is hard: 120 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7 gpg, 6.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Altoona 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 Altoona water?
7 gpg, equal to 6.7 °dH, 12 °fH or 120 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Altoona?
For 120 mg/L (6.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Altoona?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Altoona Waterworks) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Altoona Waterworks) · Outdated figure? Tell us