Water hardness in Clifton
6.4 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Clifton is moderately hard: 6.4 gpg (110 mg/L · 6.2 °dH · 11 °fH).
Source: Passaic Valley Water Commission 2025 CCR (2024 data) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 66–154 mg/L.
The figure for Clifton comes from the Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC). The range of 66 to 154 mg/L (3.9 to 9.0 gpg) covers the whole PVWC system, not Clifton alone, and the 110 mg/L (6.4 gpg) shown is the midpoint, so it is computed rather than a measured average. The water is moderately hard, and what reaches your tap can sit anywhere in that range.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.4 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Passaic Valley Water Commission |
How Clifton compares
- Tap water in Clifton is 29 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 954 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 29 % of these cities have softer water.
- In New Jersey it is number 17 of 34 cities; the regional median is 6.4 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Hoboken, 17 km away (4.7 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Little Falls, 4 km away (14.1 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 Clifton
| 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 Clifton water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 110 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.4 gpg, 6.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Clifton 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 Clifton water?
6.4 gpg, equal to 6.2 °dH, 11 °fH or 110 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Clifton?
For 110 mg/L (6.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Clifton?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Passaic Valley Water Commission 2025 CCR (2024 data) (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Passaic Valley Water Commission 2025 CCR (2024 data) · Outdated figure? Tell us