Water hardness in Antelope
6.1 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Antelope is moderately hard: 6.1 gpg (104 mg/L · 5.8 °dH · 10.4 °fH).
Source: California American Water, water quality report (Antelope) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 75–291 mg/L.
California American Water serves Antelope mostly from deep Sacramento Valley wells, with surface water from Folsom Lake bought in some years. Groundwater and lake water differ, so the range is 75.3–291 mg/L around 104.4 mg/L CaCO₃. Hardness depends on the blend serving your street.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.1 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | California American Water |
How Antelope compares
- Tap water in Antelope is 33 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 995 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 27 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 247 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Citrus Heights, 4 km away (4.5 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Fruitridge Pocket, 22 km away (10 gpg).
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 Antelope
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 6 °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 Antelope water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 104 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.1 gpg, 5.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Antelope 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 Antelope water?
6.1 gpg, equal to 5.8 °dH, 10.4 °fH or 104 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Antelope?
For 104 mg/L (5.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Antelope?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: California American Water, water quality report (Antelope) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. California American Water, water quality report (Antelope) · Outdated figure? Tell us