Water hardness in Athens (Georgia)
2 gpg soft
Tap water in Athens (Georgia) is soft: 2 gpg (34 mg/L · 1.9 °dH · 3.4 °fH).
Source: Athens-Clarke County J.G. Beacham WTP, Routine Tap Water Analysis Third Quarter 2025 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-23
Athens-Clarke County takes water from the North Oconee and Middle Oconee rivers, with Bear Creek Reservoir as a backup filled from the Middle Oconee, all treated at the Beacham plant. Piedmont streams drain old crystalline rock that yields few minerals, so the water is soft at 34 mg/L CaCO₃. Scale is rare.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 2 gpg |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 10.8 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 1.71 |
| Utility | Athens-Clarke County Utilities (Water Utility) |
How Athens (Georgia) compares
- Tap water in Athens (Georgia) is 78 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1259 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 8 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Georgia it is number 1 of 9 cities; the regional median is 2 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 Athens
| 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 Athens (Georgia) water hard or soft?
It is soft: 34 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2 gpg, 1.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Athens (Georgia) 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 Athens (Georgia) water?
2 gpg, equal to 1.9 °dH, 3.4 °fH or 34 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Athens (Georgia)?
For 34 mg/L (1.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Athens (Georgia)?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Athens-Clarke County J.G. Beacham WTP, Routine Tap Water Analysis Third Quarter 2025 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Athens-Clarke County J.G. Beacham WTP, Routine Tap Water Analysis Third Quarter 2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us