Water hardness in California City
5.7 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in California City is moderately hard: 5.7 gpg (98 mg/L · 5.5 °dH · 9.8 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1510032 (2023-08) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 89–120 mg/L.
The California City figure comes from State Water Resources Control Board lab results for the city water system. It rests on only 3 well results, all from 2023: a median of 98 mg/L as CaCO3 (5.7 gpg), with a range of 89 to 120 mg/L. Three samples are thin evidence. On this data the water is moderately hard.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 5.7 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | California City, City Of |
How California City compares
- Tap water in California City is 37 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1030 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 25 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 251 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Arvin, 88 km away (3.8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Tehachapi, 52 km away (9.9 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 California City
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 California City water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 98 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.7 gpg, 5.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in California City 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 California City water?
5.7 gpg, equal to 5.5 °dH, 9.8 °fH or 98 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in California City?
For 98 mg/L (5.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in California City?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1510032 (2023-08). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1510032 · Outdated figure? Tell us