Water hardness in Bismarck
7.3 gpg hard
Tap water in Bismarck is hard: 7.3 gpg (125 mg/L · 7 °dH · 12.5 °fH).
Source: City of Bismarck 2024 Water Quality Report (CCR) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-20
Bismarck takes its water from the Missouri River and treats it at the city water treatment facility. The 2024 Water Quality Report gives an average total hardness of 125 mg/L, or 7.3 grains per gallon. The report presents one citywide figure with no zone breakdown. At this level, white scale on faucets and shower glass is common.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.3 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Bismarck Water Treatment Facility (Bismarck Water Department) |
How Bismarck compares
- Tap water in Bismarck is 19 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 863 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 37 % of these cities have softer water.
- In North Dakota it is number 3 of 3 cities; the regional median is 7.8 gpg.
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Bismarck
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H2 |
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 Bismarck water hard or soft?
It is hard: 125 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.3 gpg, 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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck water?
7.3 gpg, equal to 7 °dH, 12.5 °fH or 125 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bismarck?
For 125 mg/L (7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Bismarck?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: City of Bismarck 2024 Water Quality Report (CCR) (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Bismarck 2024 Water Quality Report (CCR) · Outdated figure? Tell us