Water hardness in College Station
0.4 gpg soft
Tap water in College Station is soft: 0.4 gpg (6 mg/L · 0.3 °dH · 0.6 °fH).
Source: City of College Station 2024 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report (2024) · data checked 2026-10-19
The City of College Station's 2024 annual drinking water quality report gives a hardness of 6 mg/L (0.4 gpg). We have no published range for it. This is very soft water, scale is negligible, and a softener adds nothing for hardness. A newer report may change the figure.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 0.4 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of College Station Water Services |
How College Station compares
- Tap water in College Station is 96 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1370 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 0 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Texas it is number 60 of 60 cities; the regional median is 8.6 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Bryan, 6 km away (0.5 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 College Station
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 1 °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 College Station water hard or soft?
It is soft: 6 mg/L as CaCO₃ (0.4 gpg, 0.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in College Station 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 College Station water?
0.4 gpg, equal to 0.3 °dH, 0.6 °fH or 6 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in College Station?
For 6 mg/L (0.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in College Station?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: City of College Station 2024 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of College Station 2024 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us