Water hardness in Buellton
28.3 gpg very hard
Tap water in Buellton is very hard: 28.3 gpg (485 mg/L · 27.2 °dH · 48.5 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA4210018 (2025-09) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 429–601 mg/L.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 28.3 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City Of Buellton Water Division |
How Buellton compares
- Tap water in Buellton is 213 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 15 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 99 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 7 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Goleta, 37 km away (22.2 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Piru, 130 km away (37.8 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 Buellton
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H06 |
| Miele | 27 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 6 |
| Beko | 6th |
| Hoover | S4 |
| 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 Buellton water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 485 mg/L as CaCO₃ (28.3 gpg, 27.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Buellton 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 Buellton water?
28.3 gpg, equal to 27.2 °dH, 48.5 °fH or 485 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Buellton?
For 485 mg/L (27.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Buellton?
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 CA4210018 (2025-09). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA4210018 · Outdated figure? Tell us