Water hardness in Bloomington (Minnesota)
5.2 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Bloomington (Minnesota) is moderately hard: 5.2 gpg (89 mg/L · 5 °dH · 8.9 °fH).
Source: City of Bloomington MN 2026 Water Quality Report (2025 data) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-19
The Bloomington figure describes finished water after lime softening. The city's 2026 report puts hardness at about 5.2 gpg (89 mg/L), down from 19 gpg in the raw water. That is moderately hard, and scale builds slowly. The number applies to treated water as delivered, so it is not the same as the raw source.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 5.2 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Bloomington Public Works (water division) |
How Bloomington (Minnesota) compares
- Tap water in Bloomington (Minnesota) is 43 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1067 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 22 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Minnesota it is number 22 of 23 cities; the regional median is 17 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Colfax, 125 km away (1.2 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Burnsville, 8 km away (25.5 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 Bloomington
| 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 Bloomington (Minnesota) water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 89 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.2 gpg, 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 Bloomington (Minnesota) 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 Bloomington (Minnesota) water?
5.2 gpg, equal to 5 °dH, 8.9 °fH or 89 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bloomington (Minnesota)?
For 89 mg/L (5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Bloomington (Minnesota)?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: City of Bloomington MN 2026 Water Quality Report (2025 data) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Bloomington MN 2026 Water Quality Report (2025 data) · Outdated figure? Tell us