Water hardness in Anaheim
19.5 gpg very hard
Tap water in Anaheim is very hard: 19.5 gpg (333 mg/L · 18.7 °dH · 33.3 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA3010001 (2026-05) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 246–388 mg/L.
The figure for Anaheim comes from California State Water Resources Control Board lab results for the City of Anaheim system, not from a utility report. The median of 69 results is 333 mg/L as CaCO3 (19.4 gpg), within a range of 246.4 to 388.2 mg/L. The sampling points are listed as wells, and results span 2021 to 2026. This is very hard water, and scale builds quickly on heaters and fixtures.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 19.5 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City Of Anaheim |
How Anaheim compares
- Tap water in Anaheim is 115 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 164 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 88 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 32 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Yorba Linda, 4 km away (15 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Torrance, 55 km away (26.8 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 Anaheim
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 19 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 5th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Anaheim water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 333 mg/L as CaCO₃ (19.5 gpg, 18.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Anaheim 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 Anaheim water?
19.5 gpg, equal to 18.7 °dH, 33.3 °fH or 333 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Anaheim?
For 333 mg/L (18.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Anaheim?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA3010001 (2026-05). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA3010001 · Outdated figure? Tell us