Water hardness in Benicia
4.9 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Benicia is moderately hard: 4.9 gpg (84 mg/L · 4.7 °dH · 8.4 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA4810001 (2024-11) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 70–98 mg/L.
The Benicia figure comes from State Water Resources Control Board lab results for the City of Benicia system. It rests on only 2 results from one treatment-plant point, taken between 2021 and 2024: a median of 84 mg/L as CaCO3 (4.9 gpg), with a range of 70 to 98 mg/L. Two samples are thin evidence. On this data the water is moderately hard.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.9 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City Of Benicia |
How Benicia compares
- Tap water in Benicia is 46 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1092 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 20 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 267 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Walnut Creek, 20 km away (1.1 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Vallejo, 10 km away (9.3 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 Benicia
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °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 Benicia water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 84 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.9 gpg, 4.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Benicia 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 Benicia water?
4.9 gpg, equal to 4.7 °dH, 8.4 °fH or 84 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Benicia?
For 84 mg/L (4.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Benicia?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA4810001 (2024-11). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA4810001 · Outdated figure? Tell us