Water hardness in Apple Valley
8.1 gpg hard
Tap water in Apple Valley is hard: 8.1 gpg (139 mg/L · 7.8 °dH · 13.8 °fH).
Source: Liberty Utilities Apple Valley 2026 Consumer Confidence Report on Water Quality for 2025 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 27–200 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| gpg | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Valley Foothill CWD service area | 10.5 | 180 | very hard |
| Liberty Apple Valley system (PWS 3610003) | 5.7 | 97 | moderately hard |
Liberty Utilities pumps all of Apple Valley's water from deep wells in the Alto sub-area of the Mojave groundwater basin, recharged by snowmelt from the San Bernardino Mountains and by the Mojave River. The two zones range from 27 to 200 mg/L CaCO₃ with a median of 138.5 mg/L. Desert groundwater leaves scale on fixtures, and a softener is common.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8.1 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Liberty Utilities (Apple Valley Ranchos Water) Corp. |
How Apple Valley compares
- Tap water in Apple Valley is 11 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 785 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 43 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 210 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Victorville, 11 km away (5.5 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Big Bear Lake, 39 km away (18.4 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 Apple Valley
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 8 °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 Apple Valley water hard or soft?
It is hard: 139 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.1 gpg, 7.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley water?
8.1 gpg, equal to 7.8 °dH, 13.8 °fH or 139 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Apple Valley?
For 139 mg/L (7.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Apple Valley?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Liberty Utilities Apple Valley 2026 Consumer Confidence Report on Water Quality for 2025 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Liberty Utilities Apple Valley 2026 Consumer Confidence Report on Water Quality for 2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us