Water hardness in Anacortes
1.8 gpg soft
Tap water in Anacortes is soft: 1.8 gpg (30 mg/L · 1.7 °dH · 3 °fH).
Source: City of Anacortes 2022 Water Quality Report (2022) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 0–60 mg/L.
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
The City of Anacortes publishes a 2022 water quality report with a computed hardness of 30 mg/L and a range of 0 to 60 mg/L. That is soft. Scale should be light, but the report is from 2022, so check for a newer edition.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 1.8 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Anacortes |
How Anacortes compares
- Tap water in Anacortes is 81 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1279 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 7 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Washington it is number 17 of 27 cities; the regional median is 2.8 gpg.
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Anacortes
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 2 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
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 Anacortes water hard or soft?
It is soft: 30 mg/L as CaCO₃ (1.8 gpg, 1.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Anacortes 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 Anacortes water?
1.8 gpg, equal to 1.7 °dH, 3 °fH or 30 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Anacortes?
For 30 mg/L (1.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Anacortes?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: City of Anacortes 2022 Water Quality Report (2022). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. City of Anacortes 2022 Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us