Water hardness in Appleton
4.3 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Appleton is moderately hard: 4.3 gpg (74 mg/L · 4.1 °dH · 7.4 °fH).
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Appleton Waterworks) (2020) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 72–76 mg/L.
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Appleton's water comes from Lake Winnebago and is treated at the plant in Menasha, where lime softening reduces the lake's natural hardness before filtration, UV and chlorination. Treated water is moderately hard at 74 mg/L CaCO₃ (72–76 mg/L). Scale is limited compared with most of Wisconsin. The figure dates from 2020 and may have changed.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.3 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Appleton Waterworks |
How Appleton compares
- Tap water in Appleton is 52 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1136 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 17 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Wisconsin it is number 414 of 448 cities; the regional median is 14.3 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Biron, 111 km away (1.7 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Kimberly, 4 km away (5.6 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 Appleton
| 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 Appleton water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 74 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.3 gpg, 4.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Appleton 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 Appleton water?
4.3 gpg, equal to 4.1 °dH, 7.4 °fH or 74 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Appleton?
For 74 mg/L (4.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Appleton?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Appleton Waterworks) (2020). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Appleton Waterworks) · Outdated figure? Tell us