Water hardness in Apopka
9.3 gpg hard
Tap water in Apopka is hard: 9.3 gpg (160 mg/L · 9 °dH · 16 °fH).
Source: City of Apopka, Water Quality Report 2025 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 120–200 mg/L.
Apopka's public supply is groundwater from the Floridan aquifer, pumped from wells and treated at several plants. The Floridan is mostly limestone, so the water picks up calcium carbonate and measures 160 mg/L CaCO₃ (120–200 mg/L). Expect scale on fixtures and heating elements.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 9.3 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Apopka Utilities |
How Apopka compares
- Tap water in Apopka is close to the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 664 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 51 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Florida it is number 6 of 17 cities; the regional median is 8.2 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Palm Coast, 103 km away (5.8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Tampa, 123 km away (12.3 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Apopka
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H2 |
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 Apopka water hard or soft?
It is hard: 160 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.3 gpg, 9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Apopka 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 Apopka water?
9.3 gpg, equal to 9 °dH, 16 °fH or 160 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Apopka?
For 160 mg/L (9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Apopka?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: City of Apopka, Water Quality Report 2025 (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. City of Apopka, Water Quality Report 2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us