Water hardness in Blythe
36.8 gpg very hard
Tap water in Blythe is very hard: 36.8 gpg (630 mg/L · 35.3 °dH · 63 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA3310003 (2025-10) · data checked 2026-10-21
Range across supply zones: 517–649 mg/L.
Blythe relies on groundwater from the Palo Verde Mesa basin beside the Colorado River, which is the main source of recharge for the basin. The October 2025 measurements show extremely hard water at 630 mg/L CaCO₃ (517–649 mg/L). Scale is severe; a softener is practically essential.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 36.8 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Blythe - City Of |
How Blythe compares
- Tap water in Blythe is 306 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 3 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 100 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 2 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Needles, 129 km away (20.2 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Blythe
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H07 |
| Miele | 35 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 7 |
| Beko | 6th |
| Hoover | S5 |
| LG | H4 |
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 Blythe water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 630 mg/L as CaCO₃ (36.8 gpg, 35.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Blythe 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 Blythe water?
36.8 gpg, equal to 35.3 °dH, 63 °fH or 630 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Blythe?
For 630 mg/L (35.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Blythe?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA3310003 (2025-10). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA3310003 · Outdated figure? Tell us