Water hardness in Gresham (Oregon)
4.8 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Gresham (Oregon) is moderately hard: 4.8 gpg (83 mg/L · 4.6 °dH · 8.3 °fH).
Source: City of Gresham Water Quality web page (2026) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 58–108 mg/L.
The City of Gresham's water page describes its groundwater wells as moderately hard, at 58 to 108 mg/L. The page prints the unit as m/GL, which we read as a typo for mg/L, and it gives no average. The 83 mg/L (4.8 gpg) on this page is the midpoint and is computed. The page is undated, so treat the range as approximate. Scale builds slowly.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.8 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Gresham Water (Water Resources) |
How Gresham (Oregon) compares
- Tap water in Gresham (Oregon) is 46 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1094 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 20 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Oregon it is number 3 of 13 cities; the regional median is 2.1 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Portland, 19 km away (2.6 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Vancouver, 23 km away (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 Gresham
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 1st |
| 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 Gresham (Oregon) water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 83 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.8 gpg, 4.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Gresham (Oregon) 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 Gresham (Oregon) water?
4.8 gpg, equal to 4.6 °dH, 8.3 °fH or 83 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Gresham (Oregon)?
For 83 mg/L (4.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Gresham (Oregon)?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: City of Gresham Water Quality web page (2026). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. City of Gresham Water Quality web page · Outdated figure? Tell us