Water hardness in Clawson
6.1 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Clawson is moderately hard: 6.1 gpg (105 mg/L · 5.9 °dH · 10.5 °fH).
Source: City of Clawson 2025 Consumer Annual Water Quality Report (2025) · data checked 2026-11-03
Range across supply zones: 96–130 mg/L.
Clawson's Department of Public Works purchases water through SOCWA, which is supplied by the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA). The 2025 report puts hardness at 105 mg/L (6.1 gpg), with a range of 96 to 130 mg/L (5.6 to 7.6 gpg) over the year. That is moderate, and neighboring Royal Oak and Southfield report similar values.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.1 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Clawson Department of Public Works (purchases SOCWA water supplied from GLWA) |
How Clawson compares
- Tap water in Clawson is 32 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 988 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 28 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Michigan it is number 15 of 28 cities; the regional median is 6.2 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 Clawson
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 6 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 Clawson water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 105 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.1 gpg, 5.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Clawson 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 Clawson water?
6.1 gpg, equal to 5.9 °dH, 10.5 °fH or 105 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Clawson?
For 105 mg/L (5.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Clawson?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: City of Clawson 2025 Consumer Annual Water Quality Report (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Clawson 2025 Consumer Annual Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us