Water hardness in Chowchilla
3.2 gpg soft
Tap water in Chowchilla is soft: 3.2 gpg (55 mg/L · 3.1 °dH · 5.5 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA2010001 (2024-10) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 54–55 mg/L.
The Chowchilla figure comes from State Water Resources Control Board lab results for the Chowchilla city water department. It rests on only 2 results from one well, taken between 2021 and 2024: a median of 54.5 mg/L as CaCO3 (3.2 gpg), within a range of 54 to 55 mg/L. Two samples are thin evidence. On this data the water is soft.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.2 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Chowchilla City Water Dept |
How Chowchilla compares
- Tap water in Chowchilla is 65 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1201 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 12 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 299 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Fowler, 74 km away (2 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Coarsegold, 51 km away (9.3 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 Chowchilla
| 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 Chowchilla water hard or soft?
It is soft: 55 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.2 gpg, 3.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Chowchilla 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 Chowchilla water?
3.2 gpg, equal to 3.1 °dH, 5.5 °fH or 55 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Chowchilla?
For 55 mg/L (3.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Chowchilla?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA2010001 (2024-10). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA2010001 · Outdated figure? Tell us