Water hardness in Fresno
5.2 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Fresno is moderately hard: 5.2 gpg (89 mg/L · 5 °dH · 8.9 °fH).
Source: City of Fresno 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (2024) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 65–190 mg/L.
The City of Fresno's 2024 report gives total hardness as CaCO3 of 89.3 mg/L (5.2 gpg), with a printed range of 65 to 190 mg/L. The citywide figure covers wells and the northeast surface water plant, and the city has not split it by zone. It is moderately hard. A newer report may change this figure.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 5.2 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Fresno Department of Public Utilities |
How Fresno compares
- Tap water in Fresno is 42 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1066 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 22 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 260 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Fowler, 16 km away (2 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Clovis, 12 km away (6.9 gpg).
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 Fresno
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Fresno water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 89 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.2 gpg, 5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Fresno 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 Fresno water?
5.2 gpg, equal to 5 °dH, 8.9 °fH or 89 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Fresno?
For 89 mg/L (5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Fresno?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: City of Fresno 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Fresno 2024 Consumer Confidence Report · Outdated figure? Tell us