Water hardness in Bellevue, WA
1.4 gpg soft
Tap water in Bellevue, WA is soft: 1.4 gpg (24 mg/L · 1.4 °dH · 2.4 °fH).
Source: City of Bellevue 2026 Consumer Confidence Report (2025 data) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-19
Bellevue buys its supply through the Cascade Water Alliance, drawn from the Cedar River and the South Fork Tolt River. The city's 2026 report (2025 data) states hardness of about 24.1 mg/L, or 1.41 gpg, as a single figure with no range. That is very soft water. Scale is not a concern, and a softener is not needed for hardness.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 1.4 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Bellevue Utilities (water) |
How Bellevue, WA compares
- Tap water in Bellevue, WA is 84 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1308 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 5 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Washington it is number 24 of 27 cities; the regional median is 2.8 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Renton, 14 km away (4 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 Bellevue, WA
| 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 Bellevue, WA water hard or soft?
It is soft: 24 mg/L as CaCO₃ (1.4 gpg, 1.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bellevue, WA 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 Bellevue, WA water?
1.4 gpg, equal to 1.4 °dH, 2.4 °fH or 24 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bellevue, WA?
For 24 mg/L (1.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Bellevue, WA?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: City of Bellevue 2026 Consumer Confidence Report (2025 data) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Bellevue 2026 Consumer Confidence Report (2025 data) · Outdated figure? Tell us