Water hardness in Elmhurst
8.4 gpg hard
Tap water in Elmhurst is hard: 8.4 gpg (144 mg/L · 8.1 °dH · 14.4 °fH).
Source: City of Elmhurst 2025 Water Quality Report (2025) · data checked 2026-11-02
Elmhurst takes Lake Michigan water through the DuPage Water Commission. The city's 2025 Water Quality Report gives a hardness of 144 mg/L, which is hard. Some scale on kettles and heaters is normal, and the figure does not change much between neighborhoods in the report.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8.4 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Elmhurst Water Division (Lake Michigan water via DuPage Water Commission) |
How Elmhurst compares
- Tap water in Elmhurst is 7 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 748 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 45 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Illinois it is number 5 of 14 cities; the regional median is 8 gpg.
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Elmhurst
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H2 |
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 Elmhurst water hard or soft?
It is hard: 144 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.4 gpg, 8.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst water?
8.4 gpg, equal to 8.1 °dH, 14.4 °fH or 144 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Elmhurst?
For 144 mg/L (8.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Elmhurst?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: City of Elmhurst 2025 Water Quality Report (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Elmhurst 2025 Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us