Water hardness in Anchorage
4.6 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Anchorage is moderately hard: 4.6 gpg (79 mg/L · 4.4 °dH · 7.9 °fH).
Source: AWWU 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (PWS AK2212021) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
Anchorage Water & Wastewater Utility's 2025 report lists total hardness as CaCO3 of 79 mg/L (4.6 gpg). It is a single figure with no range on this page. Girdwood is a separate water system and is not covered. The water is moderately hard, so scale is mild.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.6 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Anchorage Water & Wastewater Utility (AWWU) |
How Anchorage compares
- Tap water in Anchorage is 49 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1111 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 19 % of these cities have softer water.
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Anchorage
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 1st |
| 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 Anchorage water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 79 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.6 gpg, 4.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Anchorage 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 Anchorage water?
4.6 gpg, equal to 4.4 °dH, 7.9 °fH or 79 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Anchorage?
For 79 mg/L (4.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Anchorage?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: AWWU 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (PWS AK2212021) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. AWWU 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (PWS AK2212021) · Outdated figure? Tell us