Water hardness in Auburn
0.9 gpg soft
Tap water in Auburn is soft: 0.9 gpg (15 mg/L · 0.9 °dH · 1.5 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA3110026 (2025-10) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 13–24 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| gpg | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada Id - North Auburn | 0.9 | 16 | soft |
| Placer Cwa - Auburn/Bowman | 0.8 | 15 | soft |
Two systems serve the Auburn area in State Water Resources Control Board lab data, both with finished Sierra water. Placer County Water Agency (Auburn/Bowman) reads a median of 14.5 mg/L as CaCO3 (0.8 gpg) from 10 results, and Nevada Irrigation District (North Auburn) reads 16 mg/L (0.9 gpg) from 4 results. This is very soft water. Scale is negligible.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 0.9 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Placer Cwa - Auburn/Bowman |
How Auburn compares
- Tap water in Auburn is 90 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1348 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 2 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 330 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Colfax, 25 km away (0.6 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Rocklin, 18 km away (1.3 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 Auburn
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 1 °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 Auburn water hard or soft?
It is soft: 15 mg/L as CaCO₃ (0.9 gpg, 0.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Auburn 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 Auburn water?
0.9 gpg, equal to 0.9 °dH, 1.5 °fH or 15 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Auburn?
For 15 mg/L (0.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Auburn?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA3110026 (2025-10). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA3110026 · Outdated figure? Tell us