Water hardness in Frederick
8 gpg hard
Tap water in Frederick is hard: 8 gpg (137 mg/L · 7.7 °dH · 13.7 °fH).
Source: Maryland Drinking Water Watch, chemical sample results, system MD0100015 (2024-06) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 19–149 mg/L.
The Frederick figure comes from Maryland's Drinking Water Watch portal for the City of Frederick system. It is computed from calcium and magnesium results in 5 samples from 2020 to 2024: a median of 136.9 mg/L as CaCO3 (8.0 gpg), but results run from 18.5 to 148.5 mg/L, which suggests mixed sources. The median is hard. Expect visible scale on kettles.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City Of Frederick |
How Frederick compares
- Tap water in Frederick is 12 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 796 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 42 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Maryland it is number 1 of 6 cities; the regional median is 5.8 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Baltimore, 71 km away (5.5 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Alexandria, 74 km away (11.2 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 Frederick
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 Frederick water hard or soft?
It is hard: 137 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8 gpg, 7.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Frederick 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 Frederick water?
8 gpg, equal to 7.7 °dH, 13.7 °fH or 137 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Frederick?
For 137 mg/L (7.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Frederick?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Maryland Drinking Water Watch, chemical sample results, system MD0100015 (2024-06). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Maryland Drinking Water Watch, chemical sample results, system MD0100015 · Outdated figure? Tell us