Water hardness in Calexico
18.7 gpg very hard
Tap water in Calexico is very hard: 18.7 gpg (320 mg/L · 17.9 °dH · 32 °fH).
Source: City of Calexico 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (2024) · data checked 2026-11-02
Calexico runs its own water department. The 2024 consumer confidence report lists hardness of 320 mg/L as CaCO3, which is very hard. Heavy scale on heaters, fixtures and appliances is likely. A softener is a common choice here.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 18.7 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Calexico Water Department |
How Calexico compares
- Tap water in Calexico is 106 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 189 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 86 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 36 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 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 Calexico
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 18 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 5th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Calexico water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 320 mg/L as CaCO₃ (18.7 gpg, 17.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Calexico 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 Calexico water?
18.7 gpg, equal to 17.9 °dH, 32 °fH or 320 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Calexico?
For 320 mg/L (17.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Calexico?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: City of Calexico 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Calexico 2024 Consumer Confidence Report · Outdated figure? Tell us