Water hardness in Cleveland (Ohio)
6.8 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Cleveland (Ohio) is moderately hard: 6.8 gpg (117 mg/L · 6.6 °dH · 11.7 °fH).
Source: Cleveland Water 2025 Water Quality Report (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 105–130 mg/L.
Cleveland Water's 2025 report lists hardness as CaCO3 with an average of 117 mg/L (6.8 gpg) and a range of 105 to 130 mg/L. The supply is Lake Erie water. This is moderately hard, near the hard boundary, so scale appears slowly on kettles and heaters.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.8 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Cleveland Water (Cleveland Division of Water) |
How Cleveland (Ohio) compares
- Tap water in Cleveland (Ohio) is 25 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 923 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 32 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Ohio it is number 22 of 31 cities; the regional median is 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 Cleveland
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °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 Cleveland (Ohio) water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 117 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.8 gpg, 6.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Cleveland (Ohio) 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 Cleveland (Ohio) water?
6.8 gpg, equal to 6.6 °dH, 11.7 °fH or 117 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Cleveland (Ohio)?
For 117 mg/L (6.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Cleveland (Ohio)?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Cleveland Water 2025 Water Quality Report (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Cleveland Water 2025 Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us