Water hardness in Arcadia
14.2 gpg very hard
Tap water in Arcadia is very hard: 14.2 gpg (243 mg/L · 13.6 °dH · 24.3 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1910003 (2024-06) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 82–276 mg/L.
The Arcadia figure comes from State Water Resources Control Board lab results for the City of Arcadia system. The median of 16 results from 2021 to 2024, taken at 11 well points, is 243 mg/L as CaCO3 (14.2 gpg), but results run from 81.9 to 275.5 mg/L. The water is very hard on median and varies by well. Check which supply reaches your address.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 14.2 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City Of Arcadia |
How Arcadia compares
- Tap water in Arcadia is 57 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 396 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 71 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 79 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: East Pasadena, 4 km away (5.2 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Monterey Park, 13 km away (22.2 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Arcadia
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 14 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Arcadia water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 243 mg/L as CaCO₃ (14.2 gpg, 13.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Arcadia 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 Arcadia water?
14.2 gpg, equal to 13.6 °dH, 24.3 °fH or 243 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Arcadia?
For 243 mg/L (13.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Arcadia?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1910003 (2024-06). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1910003 · Outdated figure? Tell us