Water hardness in Dodge City
35.3 gpg very hard
Tap water in Dodge City is very hard: 35.3 gpg (605 mg/L · 33.9 °dH · 60.5 °fH).
Source: City of Dodge City Consumer Confidence Report 2024 (2024) · data checked 2026-11-02
Range across supply zones: 230–980 mg/L.
Dodge City's 2024 Consumer Confidence Report gives a computed hardness of 605 mg/L as CaCO3, with values from 230 to 980 mg/L. That is very hard, and the spread is wide. A home test at your own tap is worth doing before choosing a softener.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 35.3 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Dodge City |
How Dodge City compares
- Tap water in Dodge City is 290 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 6 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 100 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Kansas it is number 1 of 17 cities; the regional median is 8.4 gpg.
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Dodge City
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H07 |
| Miele | 34 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 7 |
| Beko | 6th |
| Hoover | S5 |
| LG | H4 |
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 Dodge City water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 605 mg/L as CaCO₃ (35.3 gpg, 33.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Dodge 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 Dodge City water?
35.3 gpg, equal to 33.9 °dH, 60.5 °fH or 605 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Dodge City?
For 605 mg/L (33.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Dodge City?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: City of Dodge City Consumer Confidence Report 2024 (2024). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. City of Dodge City Consumer Confidence Report 2024 · Outdated figure? Tell us