Water hardness in Bozeman
7.6 gpg hard
Tap water in Bozeman is hard: 7.6 gpg (130 mg/L · 7.3 °dH · 13 °fH).
Source: City of Bozeman 2025 Water Quality Report (Jan-Dec 2025 data) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 62–186 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| gpg | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyman WTP (Lyman Creek spring, groundwater) | 10.1 | 174 | hard |
| Sourdough Canyon WTP (Sourdough Creek and Middle Creek / Hyalite supply) | 5.1 | 87 | moderately hard |
Bozeman has two treatment plants with different sources. The Sourdough plant, fed by Sourdough Creek and Middle Creek (Hyalite), averaged 86.61 ppm (5.1 gpg) in 2025, while the Lyman plant, which draws on a spring, averaged 173.58 ppm (10.1 gpg). Hardness at your tap depends on which supply reaches your neighborhood, and the city report does not map this by address. Check the address-level service area before sizing a softener.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.6 gpg |
|---|
How Bozeman compares
- Tap water in Bozeman is 16 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 824 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 40 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Montana it is number 3 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
- 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 Bozeman
| 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 Bozeman water hard or soft?
It is hard: 130 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.6 gpg, 7.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bozeman 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 Bozeman water?
7.6 gpg, equal to 7.3 °dH, 13 °fH or 130 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bozeman?
For 130 mg/L (7.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Bozeman?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: City of Bozeman 2025 Water Quality Report (Jan-Dec 2025 data) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Bozeman 2025 Water Quality Report (Jan-Dec 2025 data) · Outdated figure? Tell us