Water hardness in Bridgewater
4.7 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Bridgewater is moderately hard: 4.7 gpg (81 mg/L · 4.5 °dH · 8.1 °fH).
Source: Town of Bridgewater 2025 Annual Water Quality Report (2023) · data checked 2026-11-02
The Town of Bridgewater Water Division's 2025 annual report gives hardness of 80.5 mg/L as CaCO₃, though the data date is 2023. That is moderate water. No range is given. Some spotting on glass is likely, and scale builds slowly.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.7 gpg |
|---|---|
| magnesium_ppm | 5.77 |
| Utility | Town of Bridgewater Water Division |
How Bridgewater compares
- Tap water in Bridgewater is 48 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1105 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 19 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Massachusetts it is number 3 of 13 cities; the regional median is 1.9 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 Bridgewater
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 1st |
| 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 Bridgewater water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 81 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.7 gpg, 4.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bridgewater 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 Bridgewater water?
4.7 gpg, equal to 4.5 °dH, 8.1 °fH or 81 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bridgewater?
For 81 mg/L (4.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Bridgewater?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Town of Bridgewater 2025 Annual Water Quality Report (2023). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Town of Bridgewater 2025 Annual Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us