Water hardness in Elkhorn
3.4 gpg soft
Tap water in Elkhorn is soft: 3.4 gpg (58 mg/L · 3.2 °dH · 5.8 °fH).
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Elkhorn Waterworks) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 46–220 mg/L.
Elkhorn, Wisconsin, is served by Elkhorn Waterworks. The Wisconsin DNR portal reports a median of 58 mg/L as CaCO₃, which is soft, but the range runs from 46 to 220 mg/L. Some parts of the system or some samples are much harder than the median, so your tap may differ.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.4 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Elkhorn Waterworks |
How Elkhorn compares
- Tap water in Elkhorn is 63 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1188 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 13 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Wisconsin it is number 427 of 448 cities; the regional median is 14.3 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Bloomfield, 20 km away (1 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Delavan, 9 km away (24.5 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 Elkhorn
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 3 °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 Elkhorn water hard or soft?
It is soft: 58 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.4 gpg, 3.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Elkhorn 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 Elkhorn water?
3.4 gpg, equal to 3.2 °dH, 5.8 °fH or 58 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Elkhorn?
For 58 mg/L (3.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Elkhorn?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Elkhorn Waterworks) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Elkhorn Waterworks) · Outdated figure? Tell us