Water hardness in Haverhill
1.9 gpg soft
Tap water in Haverhill is soft: 1.9 gpg (32 mg/L · 1.8 °dH · 3.2 °fH).
Source: City of Haverhill Water Department, 2014 Consumer Confidence Report (2014) · data checked 2026-10-23
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Haverhill's water comes from Kenoza Lake, where the treatment plant sits, topped up by pumping from Crystal Lake and Millvale Reservoir. New England surface water drains old crystalline rock and carries few minerals, so it is soft at 31.8 mg/L CaCO₃. A softener is unnecessary. The figure dates from 2014 and may have changed.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 1.9 gpg |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 12.7 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 2.56 |
| Utility | City of Haverhill Water Department (PWS 3128000) |
How Haverhill compares
- Tap water in Haverhill is 79 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1275 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 7 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Massachusetts it is number 7 of 13 cities; the regional median is 1.9 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Manchester, 38 km away (1 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Cambridge, 46 km away (4.2 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 Haverhill
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 2 °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 Haverhill water hard or soft?
It is soft: 32 mg/L as CaCO₃ (1.9 gpg, 1.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Haverhill 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 Haverhill water?
1.9 gpg, equal to 1.8 °dH, 3.2 °fH or 32 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Haverhill?
For 32 mg/L (1.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Haverhill?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: City of Haverhill Water Department, 2014 Consumer Confidence Report (2014). Method: older figure, source currently unavailable. City of Haverhill Water Department, 2014 Consumer Confidence Report · Outdated figure? Tell us