Water hardness in Essex Junction
3.8 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Essex Junction is moderately hard: 3.8 gpg (65 mg/L · 3.6 °dH · 6.5 °fH).
Source: Champlain Water District 2024 Water Quality Report (2024) · data checked 2026-11-03
Essex Junction's water is supplied by the Champlain Water District, and the 2024 district water quality report gives a hardness of 65 mg/L as CaCO3. That falls in the moderate range. At this level scale builds up slowly, so a softener is usually optional. The report does not break the figure down by zone, so treat it as a single reported value.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.8 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Essex Junction (PWS VT0005066), supplied by Champlain Water District |
How Essex Junction compares
- Tap water in Essex Junction is 58 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1160 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 15 % of these cities have softer water.
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 Essex Junction
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °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 Essex Junction water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 65 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.8 gpg, 3.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Essex Junction 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 Essex Junction water?
3.8 gpg, equal to 3.6 °dH, 6.5 °fH or 65 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Essex Junction?
For 65 mg/L (3.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Essex Junction?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Champlain Water District 2024 Water Quality Report (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Champlain Water District 2024 Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us