Water hardness in Hanford
0.7 gpg soft
Tap water in Hanford is soft: 0.7 gpg (12 mg/L · 0.6 °dH · 1.1 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1610003 (2025-11) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 9–14 mg/L.
The Hanford figure comes from State Water Resources Control Board lab results for the City of Hanford system. It rests on 4 well results from 2021 to 2025: a median of 11.5 mg/L as CaCO3 (0.7 gpg), with a range of 9.3 to 14 mg/L. An older city report we checked gave a close value. This is very soft water, and scale is negligible.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 0.7 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Hanford, City Of |
How Hanford compares
- Tap water in Hanford is 93 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1358 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 1 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 333 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Tulare, 32 km away (0.5 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Kingsburg, 23 km away (9.9 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Hanford
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 1 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
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 Hanford water hard or soft?
It is soft: 12 mg/L as CaCO₃ (0.7 gpg, 0.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Hanford 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 Hanford water?
0.7 gpg, equal to 0.6 °dH, 1.1 °fH or 12 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Hanford?
For 12 mg/L (0.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Hanford?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1610003 (2025-11). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1610003 · Outdated figure? Tell us