Water hardness in Billings
6.5 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Billings is moderately hard: 6.5 gpg (112 mg/L · 6.3 °dH · 11.2 °fH).
Source: City of Billings 2012 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report (2012) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 51–173 mg/L.
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Billings treats water from the Yellowstone River, its only source of supply, and a second treatment plant is being added. River hardness changes with snowmelt and base flow, which fits the spread of 51–173 mg/L around 112 mg/L CaCO₃. That is moderately hard water, with some scale on kettles and heaters. The figure dates from 2012 and may have changed.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.5 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Billings Water Quality Division |
How Billings compares
- Tap water in Billings is 28 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 947 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 31 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Montana it is number 4 of 4 cities; the regional median is 8 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 Billings
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 6 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 Billings water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 112 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.5 gpg, 6.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Billings 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 Billings water?
6.5 gpg, equal to 6.3 °dH, 11.2 °fH or 112 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Billings?
For 112 mg/L (6.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Billings?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: City of Billings 2012 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report (2012). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. City of Billings 2012 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us