Water hardness in Charleston (West Virginia)
4.6 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Charleston (West Virginia) is moderately hard: 4.6 gpg (79 mg/L · 4.4 °dH · 7.9 °fH).
Source: West Virginia American Water, water quality report (Kanawha Valley) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 19–79 mg/L.
West Virginia American Water supplies Charleston from the Elk River, treated at the Kanawha Valley plant. The Elk drains Appalachian sandstone and shale, which release moderate minerals, so the water measures 79 mg/L CaCO₃ (19–79 mg/L). Some scale in kettles, but a softener is optional.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.6 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | West Virginia American Water |
How Charleston (West Virginia) compares
- Tap water in Charleston (West Virginia) is 49 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1111 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 19 % of these cities have softer water.
- In West Virginia it is number 4 of 6 cities; the regional median is 5.8 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Gassaway, 83 km away (1.8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Oak Hill, 59 km away (7 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 Charleston
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 1st |
| 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 Charleston (West Virginia) water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 79 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.6 gpg, 4.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Charleston (West Virginia) 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 Charleston (West Virginia) water?
4.6 gpg, equal to 4.4 °dH, 7.9 °fH or 79 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Charleston (West Virginia)?
For 79 mg/L (4.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Charleston (West Virginia)?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: West Virginia American Water, water quality report (Kanawha Valley) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. West Virginia American Water, water quality report (Kanawha Valley) · Outdated figure? Tell us