Water hardness in Chesapeake
2.3 gpg soft
Tap water in Chesapeake is soft: 2.3 gpg (40 mg/L · 2.2 °dH · 4 °fH).
Source: City of Chesapeake 2025 Water Quality Report (2025) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 18–74 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| gpg | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Water purchased from Norfolk (N) | 3.1 | 53 | soft |
| Western Branch system, water purchased from Portsmouth (P) | 1.6 | 27 | soft |
Chesapeake combines water from the Northwest River plant, treated water bought from Norfolk and Portsmouth, and a Lake Gaston plant it operates. The coastal-plain sources are soft, at 40 mg/L CaCO₃ (18–74 mg/L), though the city reports 2 supply zones. Scale is minor and a softener is unnecessary.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 2.3 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Chesapeake Department of Public Utilities |
How Chesapeake compares
- Tap water in Chesapeake is 74 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1245 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 9 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Virginia it is number 16 of 19 cities; the regional median is 3.6 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Portsmouth, 8 km away (1.5 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Virginia Beach, 29 km away (3.6 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 Chesapeake
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 2 °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 Chesapeake water hard or soft?
It is soft: 40 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.3 gpg, 2.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake water?
2.3 gpg, equal to 2.2 °dH, 4 °fH or 40 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Chesapeake?
For 40 mg/L (2.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Chesapeake?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: City of Chesapeake 2025 Water Quality Report (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. City of Chesapeake 2025 Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us