Water hardness in Hempstead
1.6 gpg soft
Tap water in Hempstead is soft: 1.6 gpg (27 mg/L · 1.5 °dH · 2.7 °fH).
Source: Village of Hempstead 2024 Water Quality Report, p6 Total Hardness row (2024) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 22–33 mg/L.
The Village of Hempstead's 2024 report lists total hardness from 21.5 to 32.6 mg/L (1.3 to 1.9 gpg), and the 27.1 mg/L we show is computed from that data. This is soft water. Scale is unlikely to be a problem, so a softener is rarely needed. The figures describe the village water system only.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 1.6 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Village of Hempstead Water Department |
How Hempstead compares
- Tap water in Hempstead is 83 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1289 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 6 % of these cities have softer water.
- In New York it is number 14 of 16 cities; the regional median is 5.2 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: West New York, 34 km away (9.1 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 Hempstead
| 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 Hempstead water hard or soft?
It is soft: 27 mg/L as CaCO₃ (1.6 gpg, 1.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Hempstead 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 Hempstead water?
1.6 gpg, equal to 1.5 °dH, 2.7 °fH or 27 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Hempstead?
For 27 mg/L (1.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Hempstead?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Village of Hempstead 2024 Water Quality Report, p6 Total Hardness row (2024). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Village of Hempstead 2024 Water Quality Report, p6 Total Hardness row · Outdated figure? Tell us