Water hardness in Commerce City
5.2 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Commerce City is moderately hard: 5.2 gpg (89 mg/L · 5 °dH · 8.9 °fH).
Source: South Adams County Water and Sanitation District 2025 Water Quality Report (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 48–116 mg/L.
The figure comes from the South Adams County Water and Sanitation District 2025 report: an average of 89 mg/L (5.2 gpg), with quarterly values from 48 to 116 mg/L in 2024. That is soft to moderately hard water. The district serves only part of Commerce City and we have not confirmed that it covers your address, so treat the number as an estimate for the area and check with your own water provider.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 5.2 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | South Adams County Water and Sanitation District |
How Commerce City compares
- Tap water in Commerce City is 43 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1067 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 22 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Colorado it is number 7 of 11 cities; the regional median is 6.1 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Longmont, 41 km away (1.3 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Aurora, 17 km away (7.9 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 Commerce City
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °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 Commerce City water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 89 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.2 gpg, 5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Commerce City 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 Commerce City water?
5.2 gpg, equal to 5 °dH, 8.9 °fH or 89 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Commerce City?
For 89 mg/L (5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Commerce City?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: South Adams County Water and Sanitation District 2025 Water Quality Report (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. South Adams County Water and Sanitation District 2025 Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us