Water hardness in Garfield
5.2 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Garfield is moderately hard: 5.2 gpg (89 mg/L · 5 °dH · 8.9 °fH).
Source: City of Garfield 2018 Water Quality Report (2018) · data checked 2026-11-02
Range across supply zones: 52–160 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| gpg | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| NJDWSC Wanaque WTP | 3 | 52 | soft |
| PVWC Little Falls WTP | 7.4 | 126 | hard |
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Garfield buys water from the Passaic Valley Water Commission and the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission (Wanaque). Its 2018 report gives a median of 89 mg/L as CaCO3, with a range of 52 to 160 mg/L across 2 zones. This is old data, so treat it with caution and check for a newer report.
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 Garfield (PVWC / NJDWSC Wanaque purchased water) |
How Garfield compares
- Tap water in Garfield is 43 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1067 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 22 % of these cities have softer water.
- In New Jersey it is number 28 of 34 cities; the regional median is 6.4 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 Garfield
| 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 Garfield 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 Garfield 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 Garfield 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 Garfield?
For 89 mg/L (5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Garfield?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: City of Garfield 2018 Water Quality Report (2018). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Garfield 2018 Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us