Water hardness in Citrus Heights
4.5 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Citrus Heights is moderately hard: 4.5 gpg (77 mg/L · 4.3 °dH · 7.7 °fH).
Source: San Juan Water District 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (joint, for Citrus Heights Water District) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 17–170 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| gpg | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Citrus Heights Groundwater (CHWD local wells) | 8 | 138 | hard |
| San Juan Surface Water (Folsom Lake, incl. Orange Vale) | 1 | 17 | soft |
Citrus Heights Water District reports jointly with San Juan Water District in its 2025 consumer confidence report, and it lists two supplies. Groundwater averages 137.5 mg/L (8.0 gpg), with a range of 100 to 170 mg/L, and San Juan surface water is 17 mg/L (1.0 gpg). The page shows the city median of 77.2 mg/L (4.5 gpg), which is moderately hard but matches neither supply well. Which one reaches your tap depends on your address.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.5 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Citrus Heights Water District (joint CCR issued by San Juan Water District) |
How Citrus Heights compares
- Tap water in Citrus Heights is 50 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1119 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 18 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 274 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Roseville, 8 km away (1.8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Antelope, 4 km away (6.1 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 Citrus Heights
| 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 Citrus Heights water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 77 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.5 gpg, 4.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Citrus Heights 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 Citrus Heights water?
4.5 gpg, equal to 4.3 °dH, 7.7 °fH or 77 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Citrus Heights?
For 77 mg/L (4.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Citrus Heights?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: San Juan Water District 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (joint, for Citrus Heights Water District) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. San Juan Water District 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (joint, for Citrus Heights Water District) · Outdated figure? Tell us