Water hardness in Bentonville
4.4 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Bentonville is moderately hard: 4.4 gpg (75 mg/L · 4.2 °dH · 7.5 °fH).
Source: Beaver Water District - 2025 Annual Water Quality Report (2025) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 58–89 mg/L.
Bentonville buys all its water from Beaver Water District, which treats water from Beaver Lake on the White River. The lake sits in Ozark limestone country, giving moderately hard water at 75 mg/L CaCO₃ (58–89 mg/L). Some scale builds up in kettles and heaters.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.4 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Bentonville Water Utilities (buys all water wholesale from Beaver Water District) |
How Bentonville compares
- Tap water in Bentonville is 52 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1127 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 18 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Arkansas it is number 1 of 5 cities; the regional median is 4.4 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Joplin, 84 km away (10.2 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 Bentonville
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °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 Bentonville water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 75 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.4 gpg, 4.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bentonville 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 Bentonville water?
4.4 gpg, equal to 4.2 °dH, 7.5 °fH or 75 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bentonville?
For 75 mg/L (4.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Bentonville?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Beaver Water District - 2025 Annual Water Quality Report (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Beaver Water District - 2025 Annual Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us