Water hardness in Elizabeth (New Jersey)
5.7 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Elizabeth (New Jersey) is moderately hard: 5.7 gpg (98 mg/L · 5.5 °dH · 9.8 °fH).
Source: Liberty Water Company (New Jersey American Water), 2025 Annual Water Quality Report, PWS NJ2004001 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-22
Range across supply zones: 53–143 mg/L.
Elizabeth's water comes from New Jersey American Water's Raritan system, whose Raritan-Millstone and Canal Road plants treat surface water from the Raritan basin. The range of 53–143 mg/L varies with river flow and supply blend; the computed figure is 98 mg/L CaCO₃. That is a hard-water area, with scale in heaters and kettles.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 5.7 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | New Jersey American Water (Liberty Water Company, PWS NJ2004001) |
How Elizabeth (New Jersey) compares
- Tap water in Elizabeth (New Jersey) is 37 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1030 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 25 % of these cities have softer water.
- In New Jersey it is number 26 of 34 cities; the regional median is 6.4 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: New York, 18 km away (1.9 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Elizabeth, 1 km away (8.4 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 Elizabeth
| 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 Elizabeth (New Jersey) water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 98 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.7 gpg, 5.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Elizabeth (New Jersey) 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 Elizabeth (New Jersey) water?
5.7 gpg, equal to 5.5 °dH, 9.8 °fH or 98 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Elizabeth (New Jersey)?
For 98 mg/L (5.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Elizabeth (New Jersey)?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Liberty Water Company (New Jersey American Water), 2025 Annual Water Quality Report, PWS NJ2004001 (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Liberty Water Company (New Jersey American Water), 2025 Annual Water Quality Report, PWS NJ2004001 · Outdated figure? Tell us