Water hardness in Apex
1.9 gpg soft
Tap water in Apex is soft: 1.9 gpg (33 mg/L · 1.8 °dH · 3.3 °fH).
Source: Town of Apex Annual Drinking Water Quality Report (2024 data) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-20
Apex gets its water from Jordan Lake, treated at a plant co-owned with Cary. The town's report for 2024 gives an average total hardness of 1.9 grains per gallon, which is soft. The report prints the unit as ppb in one place, which is a misprint, so we use the gpg figure printed next to it. Scale is a minor issue here, and a softener is rarely needed.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 1.9 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Town of Apex Water Resources (Jordan Lake, treated at plant co-owned with Cary) |
How Apex compares
- Tap water in Apex is 79 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1269 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 7 % of these cities have softer water.
- In North Carolina it is number 3 of 15 cities; the regional median is 1.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Raleigh, 20 km away (1.5 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 Apex
| 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 Apex water hard or soft?
It is soft: 33 mg/L as CaCO₃ (1.9 gpg, 1.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Apex 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 Apex water?
1.9 gpg, equal to 1.8 °dH, 3.3 °fH or 33 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Apex?
For 33 mg/L (1.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Apex?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Town of Apex Annual Drinking Water Quality Report (2024 data) (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Town of Apex Annual Drinking Water Quality Report (2024 data) · Outdated figure? Tell us