Water hardness in Birmingham
5.7 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Birmingham is moderately hard: 5.7 gpg (98 mg/L · 5.5 °dH · 9.8 °fH).
Source: Birmingham Water Works Board 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 40–156 mg/L.
The Birmingham Water Works Board's 2025 consumer confidence report is the source for 98 mg/L (5.7 gpg), a computed value rather than a printed average. Reported hardness ranges from 40 to 156 mg/L, so the water is moderately hard on average but varies a lot. A scale inhibitor is often enough for the water heater, though the upper end of the range can leave visible scale.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 5.7 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Birmingham Water Works Board |
How Birmingham compares
- Tap water in Birmingham is 37 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1030 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 25 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Alabama it is number 6 of 17 cities; the regional median is 4.6 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Montgomery, 137 km away (2.4 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Russellville, 139 km away (7.3 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 Birmingham
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °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 Birmingham water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 98 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.7 gpg, 5.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Birmingham 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 Birmingham water?
5.7 gpg, equal to 5.5 °dH, 9.8 °fH or 98 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Birmingham?
For 98 mg/L (5.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Birmingham?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Birmingham Water Works Board 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Birmingham Water Works Board 2025 Consumer Confidence Report · Outdated figure? Tell us