Water hardness in Fridley
14.5 gpg very hard
Tap water in Fridley is very hard: 14.5 gpg (248 mg/L · 13.9 °dH · 24.8 °fH).
Source: City of Fridley 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report (PWSID 1020031) (2025) · data checked 2026-11-02
Range across supply zones: 205–290 mg/L.
The City of Fridley's 2025 drinking water report gives a computed median hardness of 247.5 mg/L as CaCO₃, with a range of 205 to 290 mg/L. That is very hard water. Scale on water heaters, kettles and shower glass will build quickly, and a softener is a common response in this area.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 14.5 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Fridley Water |
How Fridley compares
- Tap water in Fridley is 60 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 383 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 72 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Minnesota it is number 15 of 23 cities; the regional median is 17 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 Fridley
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 14 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| 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 Fridley water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 248 mg/L as CaCO₃ (14.5 gpg, 13.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Fridley 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 Fridley water?
14.5 gpg, equal to 13.9 °dH, 24.8 °fH or 248 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Fridley?
For 248 mg/L (13.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Fridley?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: City of Fridley 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report (PWSID 1020031) (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. City of Fridley 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report (PWSID 1020031) · Outdated figure? Tell us