Water hardness in Ceres
2.8 gpg soft
Tap water in Ceres is soft: 2.8 gpg (48 mg/L · 2.7 °dH · 4.8 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA5010028 (2026-04) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 46–64 mg/L.
The Ceres figure comes from State Water Resources Control Board lab results for the City of Ceres system. The median of 11 results, all from one distribution point in 2026, is 47.7 mg/L as CaCO3 (2.8 gpg), with a range of 45.9 to 63.8 mg/L. This is soft water. Scale is minor, and a softener adds little for hardness.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 2.8 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Ceres, City Of |
How Ceres compares
- Tap water in Ceres is 69 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1230 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 10 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 306 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Sonora, 67 km away (1.3 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Modesto, 5 km away (10.8 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Ceres
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 3 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
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 Ceres water hard or soft?
It is soft: 48 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.8 gpg, 2.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Ceres 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 Ceres water?
2.8 gpg, equal to 2.7 °dH, 4.8 °fH or 48 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Ceres?
For 48 mg/L (2.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Ceres?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA5010028 (2026-04). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA5010028 · Outdated figure? Tell us