Water hardness in Fort Atkinson
16.6 gpg very hard
Tap water in Fort Atkinson is very hard: 16.6 gpg (285 mg/L · 16 °dH · 28.5 °fH).
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Fort Atkinson Waterworks) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 270–320 mg/L.
Fort Atkinson Waterworks pumps groundwater from wells in the glacial and bedrock aquifers of Jefferson County. Carbonate-bearing rock gives very hard water at 285 mg/L CaCO₃ (270–320 mg/L). Heavy scale on heaters; softeners are common.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 16.6 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Fort Atkinson Waterworks |
How Fort Atkinson compares
- Tap water in Fort Atkinson is 84 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 282 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 79 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Wisconsin it is number 171 of 448 cities; the regional median is 14.3 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Cambridge, 17 km away (4.8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Milton, 18 km away (21.2 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 Fort Atkinson
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 16 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 5th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Fort Atkinson water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 285 mg/L as CaCO₃ (16.6 gpg, 16 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Fort Atkinson 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 Fort Atkinson water?
16.6 gpg, equal to 16 °dH, 28.5 °fH or 285 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Fort Atkinson?
For 285 mg/L (16 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Fort Atkinson?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Fort Atkinson Waterworks) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Fort Atkinson Waterworks) · Outdated figure? Tell us