Water hardness in Campbell
7 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Campbell is moderately hard: 7 gpg (119 mg/L · 6.7 °dH · 11.9 °fH).
Source: San Jose Water 2024 Water Quality Report (CCR) (2024) · data checked 2026-11-02
Range across supply zones: 82–168 mg/L.
Campbell is served by San Jose Water. Its 2024 consumer confidence report gives an average of 119 mg/L as CaCO3, with a range of 82 to 168 mg/L across the system. The spread means your tap may be softer or harder than the average, depending on the source blend at the time. Moderate scale on fixtures is typical.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | San Jose Water |
How Campbell compares
- Tap water in Campbell is 23 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 907 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 34 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 232 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
- 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 Campbell
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °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 Campbell water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 119 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7 gpg, 6.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Campbell 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 Campbell water?
7 gpg, equal to 6.7 °dH, 11.9 °fH or 119 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Campbell?
For 119 mg/L (6.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Campbell?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: San Jose Water 2024 Water Quality Report (CCR) (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. San Jose Water 2024 Water Quality Report (CCR) · Outdated figure? Tell us